Introduction: The push for social media-based eKYC
As governments and private firms explore electronic know-your-customer (eKYC) processes, some proposals consider leveraging social media data to verify identities. While this approach could streamline onboarding and enhance fraud prevention, cybersecurity experts warn that it also creates a pathway for surveillance and data breaches. The debate highlights a critical tension between convenience, security, and privacy in a digital age where identity data is a valuable and sensitive asset.
The core concerns: surveillance, profiling, and data misuse
At the heart of the opposition is the fear that identity data drawn from social media profiles could be repurposed beyond its original scope. Researchers warn that once ID documents and biographic details are uploaded for eKYC, the data may be retained, shared with third parties, or used for nested surveillance programs. Even legitimate uses can snowball into expansive profiling, with routine checks evolving into comprehensive behavioral analysis. The risk is not merely a single breach but a systemic expansion of data trails that can be exploited by state actors, criminals, or poorly secured service providers.
Data exposure and breach risks
Major social platforms operate at scale, hosting vast amounts of sensitive information. A breach in any component of an eKYC workflow—whether during upload, verification, or storage—could expose highly personal data, including photos of identity documents, facial recognition data, timestamps, and geolocation. Experts point out that the complexity of these systems increases the attack surface: multiple handoffs between platforms, intermediaries, and government entities can complicate access controls and lead to inadvertent leaks. Even with encryption, human error, misconfigurations, or inadequate key management can leave data vulnerable.
Privacy by design: what safeguards are necessary?
Privacy advocates argue that any eKYC scheme that relies on social media must be built around privacy-by-design principles. This includes minimizing data collection to what is strictly necessary, applying strong authentication, and ensuring explicit user consent with clear purposes. Technical controls such as zero-knowledge proofs, selective disclosure, and on-device verification could help reduce the need to share full identity data with multiple parties. Moreover, stringent data minimization, robust access controls, and regular third-party security audits are essential to prevent misuse.
Transparency and accountability
Transparency is a cornerstone of trust in any eKYC program. Citizens should have visibility into who accesses their data, for what purpose, and how long information is retained. Independent oversight, clear data retention schedules, and the ability to retract consent are critical components. Accountability mechanisms must assign responsibility for data handling errors and breaches, with meaningful remedies for affected individuals.
The role of policymakers and industry players
Policymakers face a difficult balancing act: enabling efficient, secure onboarding while safeguarding civil liberties. Regulators can set definitive standards for data minimization, retention limits, and cross-border data transfers. Industry players—social media companies, identity providers, and government agencies—must align on interoperable, security-first protocols. Collaboration is essential to define common baselines for encryption, authentication, and incident response while preserving user rights to privacy and control over personal information.
What individuals can do now
In the absence of universal safeguards, individuals should remain vigilant about how their data is used in eKYC schemes. Key steps include reviewing privacy settings, understanding consent forms, and demanding transparency about data sharing. When possible, opt for privacy-preserving verification methods and use accounts that are linked only to necessary services. Public discourse and informed consumer choices can drive better, privacy-conscious design in future eKYC initiatives.
Conclusion: A cautious path forward
The proposal to use social media for eKYC reflects a broader trend toward digital identity verification. While the idea offers potential efficiency gains, it also raises serious concerns about surveillance and data security. A cautious, rights-respecting approach—grounded in privacy-by-design, clear governance, and robust security—will be essential to ensure that identity verification serves the public good without compromising individual freedoms.
