X Feature Reveals Foreign Origins of Political Accounts
- Discovery of Account Locations
A recent update to X has revealed that several popular accounts posting about U.S. politics are operated from outside the country. Many of these accounts, which display American flags and images of Donald Trump, had previously appeared to be run by U.S. citizens. The new “About This Account” tool shows that some are based in regions such as South Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe. Researchers at NewsGuard identified multiple accounts spreading misleading claims, including allegations about bribery during the 2024 presidential debate.
How the Location Tool Works
Nikita Bier, X’s head of product, explained that the new feature allows users to see the country or region where an account is registered. By clicking on the signup date displayed on a profile, users can access this information. In countries with strict speech laws, account holders can choose to display only a region rather than a specific nation. Bier stated that the tool would soon reach near-perfect accuracy, though experts cautioned that VPNs and proxies can obscure true locations.
Reactions and Controversies
Some accounts with large followings, such as @BarronTNews_, were shown to be based in Eastern Europe despite claiming ties to U.S. locations. NewsGuard also found that misinformation about the feature itself was spreading, with fake screenshots suggesting accounts were foreign when they were not. Analysts noted that while state actors may be involved, many of these accounts are likely financially motivated, using political content to drive engagement. Users expressed mixed reactions, with some praising transparency and others criticizing the feature as an invasion of privacy.
The introduction of location transparency on X mirrors similar efforts by other platforms, such as Meta, which has long provided account origin data. Experts argue that while such tools can expose misleading accounts, they are not a complete solution to misinformation. Studies have shown that foreign-run accounts have played a role in shaping online political discourse in the U.S. since at least 2016. The new feature highlights ongoing challenges in balancing privacy, authenticity, and the fight against disinformation in digital spaces.
