Elon Musk’s X is set to challenge LinkedIn’s dominance in the professional networking arena by offering an array of services, including job listings. In this bold venture towards making X the ultimate “everything app,” the company has commenced data collection on users’ employment and educational backgrounds, even delving into biometric information for safety and identification purposes, according to recent reports.
Elon Musk, who envisions X as the epitome of a versatile “everything app,” is determined to redefine professional networking. He acknowledges the limitations of existing platforms, such as LinkedIn, characterized by what he humorously calls the “cringe level.” To address this, Musk and his team are committed to crafting an alternative that exudes a sense of coolness and authenticity.
X’s foray into professional networking extends beyond traditional job listings. The company has embarked on a journey to gather valuable user information, encompassing work histories and educational backgrounds. Additionally, X is exploring the collection of biometric data, although specific details remain undisclosed. The stated objective is to leverage this data for enhancing safety, security, and identification measures.
People send me LinkedIn links sometimes, but the cringe level is so high that I just can’t bring myself to use it, so I ask for the resume or bio to be emailed.
We will make sure that the X competitor to LinkedIn is cool.
Twitter’s Integration X’s push into professional networking was heralded by its creation of the official @TwitterHiring account (it is not currently available) last month, reflecting the company’s ambitions to facilitate job-seeking endeavours on its platform. Verified organizations like Workweek have been granted the ability to post job listings in the form of scrolling cards beneath their bios, a feature noted by TechCrunch.
While X’s job listings feature is currently available in the United States, plans for global expansion are evident. The platform aims to offer seamless integration with users’ work and education data, potentially revolutionizing job recommendations and candidate searches.
Asking for your biometrics Biometric data collection, a critical aspect of X’s quest for authenticity and security, aligns with Elon Musk’s vision of eradicating inauthentic accounts from the platform. However, this ambitious endeavour may draw scrutiny from regulators. X is already facing a potential class action lawsuit related to biometric data collection without consent, raising questions about privacy and data protection.
X’s emergence as a LinkedIn competitor is a testament to Elon Musk’s multifaceted vision for the “everything app.” Beyond professional networking, the platform seeks to redefine user experiences across diverse domains. While challenges lie ahead, X’s journey is a compelling testament to the ever-evolving landscape of digital innovation.
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Paul Femi Balo is the founder and publisher of TechBooky. He covers artificial intelligence, African technology, digital infrastructure, enterprise technology and the global digital economy.
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