New feature uncovers surprising account origins
X’s location tool has revealed political accounts with large audiences operating outside the US. Users found pro-Trump accounts posting about US politics while based abroad. Some anti-Trump accounts also presented misleading locations. Their posts generated millions of impressions, which can trigger payouts from X.
X defends the reliability of its data
The “about this account” tab displays location on each profile. It warns that travel, temporary stays, and VPNs may affect results. X’s product chief Nikita Bier says the data remains 99% accurate. On Saturday, Trump shared a screenshot on Truth Social from “TRUMP_ARMY_.” The post praised a Supreme Court ruling allegedly allowing him to deport criminals to El Salvador. The account has over half a million followers, including a senior Republican senator. X shows the account operates from India and changed its username four times since March 2022. The last change occurred in July 2022. The profile now reads “an Indian who loves America, President Trump, Musk!”
Fan accounts reveal foreign origins
The account “IvankaNews_” promoted Trump’s daughter and gathered over one million followers. It encouraged votes for Trump last year. X’s data shows it operates from Nigeria and changed its username 11 times since 2010. After the location became visible, the account said that “some of us living outside the USA genuinely support President Trump’s movement.” X appears to have suspended the account, though the reason remains unknown.
Anti-Trump accounts also mislead followers
Investigators found anti-Trump accounts posting from outside the US. One account with 52,000 followers described itself as a “proud Democrat” and “professional Maga hunter.” The user deleted the profile after the feature revealed activity from Kenya.
Foreign-linked accounts influence Scottish politics
Several accounts claimed Scottish roots while promoting independence. X’s location data shows they accessed the platform from Iran via Android. The tab lists the Netherlands as their location but warns VPN use may affect results.
Monetisation incentivises deceptive behaviour
Most exposed accounts carried blue ticks, showing they subscribed to X’s Premium service. This allows creators to earn money from engagement. Users must pass identity checks and reach over five million impressions in three months. Alexios Mantzarlis from Cornell Tech says the blue tick system worsens platform problems. He argues paid badges prioritise revenue over verification. Features like “community notes” indicate X is attempting to improve transparency.
Experts highlight financial and political motives
Accounts hide locations for many reasons. Darren Linvill from Clemson University studies misinformation. He says some accounts belong to troll farms or state-backed operators. Others aim to earn money by posing as American voices. Mantzarlis agrees that financial gain motivates many users and that political groups often exploit covert accounts to shape debates.
Bad actors likely to adapt quickly
Linvill believes users will bypass the new feature with VPNs and altered account creation. These tactics could make accounts appear to originate in Western countries or within the US.
