A new feature reveals unexpected account origins
X’s new location tool exposes major political accounts and triggers widespread debate. The platform now shows where users access the service and uncovers surprising origins. Many high-engagement profiles posted about US politics while operating from abroad. Users quickly pointed out several pro-Trump accounts active outside the United States. Some anti-Trump accounts also used misleading locations. Their posts attracted millions of impressions, which can unlock payments from X.
X backs its data despite VPN concerns
The new “about this account” tab appears on every profile and displays location details. The tab warns that travel, temporary moves and VPN use can influence accuracy. X’s product chief Nikita Bier insists the information stays 99% accurate. The debate intensified when Trump shared a screenshot from an account named “TRUMP_ARMY_”. The profile praised a Supreme Court ruling that would help him deport criminals to El Salvador. The account has more than half a million followers, including a senior Republican senator. X’s data shows the profile operates from India and changed its username four times since March 2022. The latest change happened in July 2022. The page now says the user is “an Indian who loves America, President Trump, Musk!”.
Another account called “IvankaNews_” promotes Trump’s daughter and has more than one million followers. It previously encouraged users to vote for the president last year. X states that the profile operates from Nigeria and changed its username 11 times since 2010. After its location became public, the user argued that people outside the United States can genuinely support Trump’s movement. X appears to have suspended “IvankaNews_”, although the reason remains unclear.
Misleading origins stretch across political divides
A major newsroom’s verification team found anti-Trump accounts with similar patterns. One profile had 52,000 followers and called itself a “proud Democrat” and “professional Maga hunter”. The user deleted the account after the location tool showed activity from Kenya.
Scottish political debate sees similar tactics
Researchers identified several accounts that claimed Scottish origins. These profiles posted almost only in favour of Scottish independence. X’s location tool indicates that these accounts access the service from an Android app in Iran. The tab lists the Netherlands as their main location, but X adds a warning that suggests VPN use.
Profit and influence drive hidden operators
Most exposed accounts held blue ticks. This shows they subscribed to X’s Premium tier and could earn money based on engagement. X requires identity checks and at least five million impressions within three months for monetisation access. Experts warn that blue tick accounts intensify problems on the platform. They argue that paid badges operate as revenue tools rather than genuine verification. They say community context features offer a more effective road to transparency.
Researchers say accounts hide their locations for different reasons. Some troll farms and state-run operations try to influence political debate. Others chase profit by pretending to be American. Experts agree that culture-war content often brings quick financial rewards. They also say political groups and state actors regularly use fake accounts to shape opinion. Despite the new tool, experts believe some users will find ways around detection. They say bad actors will quickly adjust their methods to hide their true origins.
