If you use Twitter/X via its app, CUT OFF ITS CAMERA ACCESS (it now collects biometric data)

[highplainsdem]

I posted earlier today about the new Twitter/X policy, effective 9/29

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100218328889

which includes collecting biometric data. This is what an Amnesty International spokesperson said about that:

’Biometric’ is a broad term which relates to a person’s physical attributes and needs to be clearly explained. Even though X’s new policy asks users for their consent regarding the collection of biometric data, there is a real risk that their right to privacy will be violated.

A reply there from mahina asked how Twitter would gather biometric data.

I had no idea, but wondered if it might include camera access for the app.

I checked Twitter and found out very quickly that it does. Didn't even have to search, since a tweet from Musk just yesterday said, "Super easy to do live video – just tap the camera icon when you post on 𝕏."

I did search Twitter then, and found tweets mentioning the biometric data could be collected through the app's access to the camera in your device.

Which I googled - and I discovered the app's access to your device's camera started clear back in 2019

https://www.wired.com/story/twitter-new-camera-feature/

which was news to me. But at least they weren't collecting biometric data then (as far as we know).

I've never used the Twitter app. Just check the website via the browser, even on my tablet.

But if you are using the app, check its permissions and see if they include the camera, and if so, shut that off. You can always enable it again if you feel you have to use the app to post a photo or a video directly to Twitter. Which Musk is encouraging everyone to do, so he can collect their biometric data.

[FakeNoose]

1. Mommy, what's "privacy" mean?

The next generation is never going to know. Privacy is already GONE for anyone who owns a cellphone.

[LisaM]

9. They don't CARE.

That's the problem. They think it's fine to use Amazon Go, pay for everything with a phone, and they are fine with face recognition and fingerprints everywhere. They honestly don't understand or care how this data can be used one day.

Just wait until the next Inquisition.

[Think. Again.]

2. I'm seriously considering...

...just becoming a full-fledged Luddite.

I'll get a burner flip phone, do my email on a stripped out older laptop, and go back to all cash spending only.

That is, of course, after I can find a way to become self-sustaining on a small homestead in the Italian alps.

(I'm joking of course, there is no turning back for us now, no matter how much we will come to regret letting for-profit corporations so deeply into our lives.)

[Shipwack]

3. Interesting... Thanks for the info.

I just checked what access my Twitter app had and turned off camera, microphone, all photos, AND location data. Not sure why that would be enabled.

I don’t suspect any nefarious actions on X’s part, but there’s no good reason to let any ap have unnecessary access to my phone. Some of those I might need in the future, but I’ll give permission on a case by case basis.

[sprinkleeninow]

7. The phones do sneaky things behind yer back. eom

[bucolic_frolic]

4. Gonna put long wires on my webcam and feed it to a hamster cage

Just for Elmo

[highplainsdem]

14. LOL!

[Qutzupalotl]

5. Thanks for this. I checked, and camera access was ON.

Not anymore.

I have one of those adhesive slidey things over my camera, so I can block out the camera or open it to take a selfie. But, you know, fuck that Nazi piece of shit.

[Blue Owl]

8. The term "Peeping Tom" needs to be replaced with "Peeping Musk"

Creepy!

[usonian]

10. I was made aware of an alternative front end to twitter called nitter.

It seems to require that you have an account on twitter/x. But anonymous users only get to see the first tweet in a thread.

I wonder if anyone here has tried it or is willing to do so.

https://nitter.net/

About
https://nitter.net/about

Nitter is a free and open source alternative Twitter front-end focused on privacy and performance. The source is available on GitHub.

It's impossible to use Twitter without JavaScript enabled. For privacy-minded folks, preventing JavaScript analytics and IP-based tracking is important, but apart from using a VPN and uBlock/uMatrix, it's impossible. Despite being behind a VPN and using heavy-duty adblockers, you can get accurately tracked with your browser's fingerprint, no JavaScript required. This all became particularly important after Twitter removed the ability for users to control whether their data gets sent to advertisers.

Using an instance of Nitter (hosted on a VPS for example), you can browse Twitter without JavaScript while retaining your privacy. In addition to respecting your privacy, Nitter is on average around 15 times lighter than Twitter, and in most cases serves pages faster (eg. timelines load 2-4x faster).

In the future a simple account system will be added that lets you follow Twitter users, allowing you to have a clean chronological timeline without needing a Twitter account.

Instances of nitter are listed here:

https://github.com/zedeus/nitter/wiki/Instances

Of course, browsers optionally allow access to cameras, even wallet. I don't know of any sites that make such requests. Apple hardware, back as far as this iPhone 8, turns on a green light when the camera is on. Just saying ...

I personally avoid FB, Google, twitter and the like as much as possible.

And please note the paradigm shift going on. They want your data less for targeted advertising and more for AI training banks. Still need your hypnotic attraction and attention to their sites.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100218325136

Web 3.0 is officially here (And of course, it's AI. This affects everyone

https://tonysull.co/articles/web-3-is-here/
The web is moving from an ad platform to an AI training platform.

[Grasswire2]

11. my cams are always taped over or disabled.

No way am I allowing a live mic or cam in my home.

[kimbutgar]

12. The day the muskrat took over I deleted my account.

The only time I look at it now is to watch animal videos! And sometimes the Good liars.

[Recycle_Guru]

13. sorry to be a broken record--leave X! It is horrible

it is run by a white supremacist Nazi wannabe and Threads has WAY more engagement. Actually a great environment there as well as covering all late breaking news real time.