656
X wants permission to start collecting your biometric data and employment history
(www.theverge.com)
this post was submitted on 31 Aug 2023
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but….why? of all the things to care about with that dying husk of a platform, what could suddenly make biometric information such an interest to them?
If he's going to make an 'American WeChat' then having this data is necessary. If you aren't familiar with WeChat it's a social media app from China that's basically the default application for banking, videos, posts, 2FA, etc. It's hugely popular in China. Of course, whether or not he should even be allowed to get this info or how viable making an American WeChat is, is a completely different story.
Why the fuck would anyone want their social media tied to their banking? Data leaks are already harmful enough without that link.
Well simply put, he saw how successful WeChat was in China and believes that this success can be replicated in the States. Imagine. Having one app for banking, job applications, messaging your friends and following your favourite content creators? And then for those pesky other accounts you could have a password manager on X? Why even have another app? And although it isn't in the cards right now ideally he'll want integration with the government, as that's how WeChat can get all it's records for people (and I further guess he's banking on a Trump government to help him with that).
(yes I realize how horrible this sounds haha, just trying to illustrate how Musk sees this)
Yes, that sounds like a dystopian nightmare, especially in the hands of the world's 2nd biggest emotionally imbalanced man-child.
There was this app about 12 years ago which was like 'foursqaure for payments!' It would advertise 'blahblah just paid $55 at some lame restaurant'. It seemed like an awful idea and it died, but... currently, Venmo does that.
Groupon?
It was some minor company that had a bit of hype but never got big, with a name like Bloingo or something.
Edit: I found it, it was called Blippy:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blippy