X’s location tool exposes propaganda networks
JournalismPakistan.com | Published 2 hours ago | JP Global Monitoring Desk
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X’s new location‑tag feature has exposed numerous propaganda accounts, sparking debate over foreign influence, anonymity, and transparency on the platform.Summary
NEW YORK — X (formerly Twitter) has rolled out a major transparency update called “About This Account,” which reveals the country or region where user accounts are based, among other metadata. The change was introduced around November 21, 2025, as part of X’s effort to make it harder for inauthentic or coordinated accounts to hide behind vague or misleading profiles.
Unmasking Foreign Influence
Since the rollout, users have identified numerous accounts that present themselves as U.S.-based political influencers, particularly within the MAGA right‑wing ecosystem, but are actually operating from other countries, including Bangladesh, Nigeria, Eastern Europe, and Thailand. Similarly, several accounts that claimed to be Gaza-based journalists or citizens seeking donations have been exposed as being based in other countries like Pakistan, Poland, India, or the U.K. Independent analysts and security firms characterize these as part of broader disinformation and content-manipulation networks.
Risks and Backlash
However, the rollout has not been smooth. Many users have raised serious accuracy concerns: location data for older accounts has, in some instances, been incorrect, possibly due to VPN use or IP‑address changes. X temporarily removed certain indicators (such as the “account creation location”) after admitting that some data was unreliable. Critics argue the feature could amount to involuntary doxxing, mainly affecting users in repressive countries or those who need anonymity to speak safely.
Strategic Implications for Media and Analysts
For media organizations and analysts, the feature represents a double‑edged sword. On one hand, it offers a powerful new tool to investigate the origin of disinformation networks and potentially trace propaganda back to its source. On the other, the data should be treated with caution: location mismatches may not always indicate deception. Experts recommend correlating the disclosed “based in” data with patterns of posting behavior, engagement sources, language, and other open‑source signals before drawing firm conclusions.
X is also reportedly working on another feature that would detect and flag VPN or proxy use directly, a move that could further tighten the net on manipulative actors but could also endanger privacy-conscious or high-risk users.
Key Take‑Away
X’s “About This Account” feature is pushing the platform toward greater transparency — but it also raises risks around privacy, accuracy, and user safety. For media professionals, the tool is a potential investigative lever, but not a silver bullet.
KEY POINTS:
- X’s new “About This Account” tool shows the country or region where an account is based
- The feature has exposed supposedly American MAGA accounts and “Gaza journalists” running from abroad
- Location data accuracy is questioned due to VPN use and historical IP ambiguity
- Critics warn of privacy risks and involuntary exposure, especially for vulnerable users
- Media analysts see both investigative value and the need for cross‑verification
ATTRIBUTION: Reporting based on X’s product announcements, public expert commentary, and independent media coverage.
