Elon Musk’s platform, X, has launched a new feature called “About this account” to give users more context about profiles. The tool shows details such as geographic location, account creation date, username changes, and whether the app was downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.
How the Feature Works
Clicking an account’s join date opens a tab displaying its current location. The goal is to help users spot bots, AI-generated accounts, and foreign-run accounts that may influence conversations. Originally, the feature also showed the location at account creation, but this was briefly disabled due to apparent technical inconsistencies.
Controversy Around DHS Account
The feature drew widespread attention when screenshots and videos suggested the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) account appeared based in Israel. The posts went viral, prompting X to temporarily disable the feature. When restored, DHS and X stated the account operated from the United States and described prior reports as manipulated media.
Accounts Managed from Other Countries
The feature has also revealed other accounts operating outside the countries they appear to represent. A pro-Israel account claiming a U.S. location was shown to be managed from India, and several “Make America Great Again,” branded accounts posing as American voices were identified in Eastern Europe, Thailand, Nigeria, and Bangladesh.
These examples illustrate the challenges of verifying account origins and the potential for foreign-managed accounts to shape online discussions. X said location data will be updated periodically to correct errors.
Privacy Concerns
X also prevents VPN use to mask locations, displaying warnings to users who attempt it, which helps reduce inauthentic interactions. While intended to increase transparency, the feature has raised privacy concerns. Critics argue that revealing locations could put users in repressive countries at risk and limit free expression.
Moving Forward
X plans to refine the feature over the coming days, resolving remaining issues by Tuesday. The “About this account” feature reflects an attempt to balance transparency and safety while revealing the complexities of online account management and influence.
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