Twitter users raise concerns over ‘tip jar’ update

Users of Twitter have raised concerns about an update of the ‘tip jar’ feature that allows people pay into the account of others on the social network.

The tip jar function allows payment to be made through payment platforms like PayPal, Venmo and Cash App, and concerns have been raised by some Twitter users that tipping a Paypal account lets the recipient know the postal address of the tip sender.

The email address of recipients could also be visible, even if money is not sent.

Security expert, Rachel Tobac, tweeted  that, “If you send a person a tip using PayPal, when the receiver opens the receipt from the tip you sent, they get your address.”

In its response to the tweet, Twitter through its product lead, Kavyon Beykpour, said the firm could not control how PayPal handled that information.

But PayPal clarified the issue by saying the problem is due to the ‘goods and services’ payment option the tip jar uses, explaining that it shares details for shipping those goods.

Twitter users have, however, been advised to toggle to the ‘friends and family’ option during payment to avoid the issue. Even as the social media network said it is updating users with the information so they can be aware while using the tip jar feature.

The tip jar function will only be available to a select group of people that consists of creators, journalists, experts and non-profits for now, as a way to support their voices.

Chineye Udezo
Chineye Udezo
Chineye Udezo is a content developer and social media manager. She is an intern at Plexus Media Interlinks, the owners of Financial Street.

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