Dozens of high-engagement accounts on X have been accused of misleading users following the introduction of a new transparency feature that displays account locations. The update, part of X’s “about this account” tab, aims to provide users with information on where accounts are based, but has exposed discrepancies among profiles discussing US and international politics.
Users quickly highlighted examples of pro-Trump accounts posting about American politics while appearing to operate from outside the United States. Anti-Trump accounts also showed misleading locations, raising questions about authenticity and influence on the platform. Some of these accounts have attracted millions of interactions, including views, likes, reposts, and replies, which can trigger financial rewards from X.
BBC Verify could not independently confirm the location data provided by X. The platform, however, claims that its information is “99% accurate,” though it warns that factors such as travel, temporary relocation, or the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) may affect reported locations.
One prominent example involves an account called “TRUMP_ARMY_,” which shared a post celebrating a Supreme Court ruling that it said would allow the president to deport criminals to El Salvador. The account has over half a million followers, including a senior Republican senator. X’s data indicates the account is based in India, and its username has been changed four times since March 2022. The profile now reads: “an Indian who loves America, President Trump, Musk!”
Another account, “IvankaNews_,” a fan page for former president Trump’s daughter, has over one million followers. It previously posted content related to voting for Trump but is registered in Nigeria, with 11 username changes since 2010. Following the location disclosure, the account stated that “some of us living outside the USA genuinely support President Trump’s movement.” X appears to have suspended the account, though the reasons have not been clarified.
The feature has also highlighted misleading locations for accounts posting anti-Trump content. One account claiming to be a “proud Democrat” and “professional Maga hunter,” with 52,000 followers, was revealed to be based in Kenya. The user subsequently deleted their profile.
International examples include accounts purporting to be from Scotland and promoting Scottish independence. X’s location data shows activity from the Android app in Iran, though the location tab lists the Netherlands. A warning symbol indicates that VPN use may be involved, highlighting the difficulty of verifying online identity even with new transparency tools.
The introduction of the location feature reflects growing concern about misinformation, foreign influence, and authenticity on social media platforms. X’s head of product, Nikita Bier, acknowledged that while the tool is not perfect, it aims to provide users with more context about the accounts they engage with, a step intended to improve transparency and trust across the network.
