Introduction to “X” Government ID Verification
What was previously known as “Twitter” has introduced a new feature, now referred to as “X,” which allows users to verify their accounts using government IDs. Although this feature is not yet available everywhere, the company has launched it in select countries and plans to roll it out globally in the near future. Through this feature, the company aims to enhance platform safety, protect users from scams, and focus on age-related content. The initial discovery of this feature was made by TechCrunch.
The Verification Process
When users opt to utilize this feature, a pop-up window appears, indicating that “X” is partnering with the Israeli verification company, AU10TIX, to make the new authorization feature user-friendly. AU10TIX will securely store all user information, including photos, biometric data, and other data, for 30 days. This data will be used to verify users’ identities based on the provided government ID. If this feature is implemented in India, the company could potentially collaborate with an Indian-based verification company or service.
Indicating Verified Accounts
Upon successful verification using a government ID, a user’s account will display the message “this account is ID verified” when someone clicks on the blue tick associated with premium users. Additionally, users who validate their accounts through government IDs will receive expedited blue tick verification. The company also plans to streamline the review process for these users when making profile changes or name updates, making it more convenient for them.
Future Use of ID Verification
While the specific applications of this feature have not been detailed extensively, the company has stated that “X” will offer ID verification as an option in the future, aiming to bolster trust in its platform. It’s important to note that these benefits will be available exclusively to individual users, excluding business and organizational accounts. Government ID-based verification is currently available in “several countries,” although “X” has not provided a comprehensive list of the specific regions. However, it is not applicable in the European Union, European Economic Area, or the United Kingdom due to stringent data protection laws in these areas.
