Monday, 16 June 2025
29.3 C
Singapore
28.2 C
Thailand
20.1 C
Indonesia
28.7 C
Philippines

X’s new feature unveils a major privacy flaw

Discover how X's new voice and video calling feature unintentionally reveals users' IP addresses, poses significant privacy and safety risks.

In today’s world, where protecting personal data is a top priority, the revelation that X’s new voice and video calling feature exposes users’ IP addresses is startling. This feature, recently added to the platform formerly known as Twitter, directly contradicts the data privacy advocacy of its owner, Elon Musk. As this feature became available to all users, privacy experts have raised alarm bells over the unintentional disclosure of IP addresses during calls.

The risk to user privacy and safety

The exposure of IP addresses is more than a minor privacy concern; it’s a significant risk, especially for the platform’s most vulnerable users. X has become a crucial tool for political activists and other sensitive groups, making the potential for location exposure through IP addresses a severe safety issue. This is particularly concerning given Elon Musk’s previous emphasis on Direct Message (DM) encryption – a feature rolled out to paying users last year. Musk’s vision of making X “the most trusted platform on the internet” seems to be at odds with this oversight.

A balancing act between innovation and oversight

For users worried about privacy, turning off the settings’ voice and video calling features is a viable option. However, introducing this feature without considering the privacy implications suggests a broader issue with X’s current development strategy. The company prioritises rapid development, potentially at the expense of thorough quality control and privacy considerations. This approach could lead to more such oversights, jeopardising user privacy and trust.

The recent discovery of X’s voice and video calling feature sheds light on the complex challenges tech companies face when introducing new functionalities. While innovation drives these platforms forward, protecting user privacy cannot be an afterthought. In an age where data is as valuable as currency, companies like X must ensure they maintain the trust of their users. This incident is a critical lesson for X and other tech giants. As they forge ahead with new technologies, they must also strengthen their commitment to user privacy and security.

Hot this week

Apple delays launch of smarter Siri, leaving AI fans waiting

Apple will delay AI-powered Siri until 2026 as WWDC 25 skips the update and focuses instead on other AI features and improvements.

AI helps uncover gender-specific drug combinations to improve heart valve disease treatment

Researchers use AI to find gender-specific drug combinations for AVS, aiming to improve personalised treatment for heart valve disease.

Disinformation security: Safeguarding truth in the digital age

Discover how AI detection tools, public education, and smart regulations are working together to combat the spread of misinformation online.

Singapore Airlines and PALO IT test generative AI for faster software development

Singapore Airlines and PALO IT successfully trial Gen-e2, an AI-first software development approach powered by GitHub Copilot.

Resident Evil Requiem returns to Raccoon City with new story and hero, coming February 2026

Resident Evil Requiem, which launches on February 27, 2026, takes you back to Raccoon City with a new lead and chilling story.

Informatica deepens partnership with Databricks to support new Iceberg and OLTP services

Informatica joins Databricks as launch partner for new Iceberg and OLTP solutions, introducing AI tools to speed up GenAI development.

Hong Kong opens skies to larger drones in bid to grow low-altitude economy

Hong Kong will allow the testing of larger drones to boost its low-altitude economy and improve logistics, following mainland China's lead.

Hong Kong to build new AI supercomputing centre in bid to lead global tech race

Hong Kong plans a new AI supercomputing centre to boost its tech hub status and support growing start-ups across the Greater Bay Area.

Steam adds full native support for Apple Silicon Macs

Steam runs natively on Apple Silicon Macs, ditching Rosetta 2 for smoother performance and better gaming on M1 and M2 devices.

Related Articles

Popular Categories