A tool exposes hidden account origins
X’s new location feature has uncovered political accounts with large audiences operating from unexpected countries. Users noticed pro-Trump accounts posting about US politics while being abroad. Some anti-Trump accounts also misrepresented their locations. Their posts attracted millions of impressions, which can generate payouts from X.
X defends the accuracy of its data
The “about this account” tab shows location on every profile. It warns that travel, temporary stays, and VPNs may affect results. X’s product chief Nikita Bier insists the information remains 99% accurate. On Saturday, Trump shared a screenshot on Truth Social from the account “TRUMP_ARMY_.” The post praised a Supreme Court ruling allegedly allowing him to deport criminals to El Salvador. The account has more than 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 was in July 2022. The profile now states it belongs to “an Indian who loves America, President Trump, Musk!”
Fan accounts operate from abroad
The account “IvankaNews_” described itself as a fan page for Trump’s daughter. It gained over one million followers and encouraged votes for Trump last year. X’s data shows it operates from Nigeria and changed its username 11 times since 2010. After its location was revealed, 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 unclear.
Anti-Trump accounts also mislead
Investigators found anti-Trump accounts posting from other countries. One account with 52,000 followers claimed to be a “proud Democrat” and “professional Maga hunter.” The user deleted the profile after X’s tool revealed activity from Kenya.
Foreign activity reaches Scottish politics
Several accounts claimed Scottish roots while promoting independence. X’s location data shows these accounts used the Android app from Iran. The tab lists the Netherlands as their location but warns VPN use may influence results.
Monetisation encourages deceptive accounts
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 gain over five million impressions in three months. Alexios Mantzarlis from Cornell Tech says the blue tick system worsens platform problems. He argues that paid badges focus on revenue rather than verification. However, features like “community notes” show X is taking transparency seriously.
Experts highlight mixed motives
Accounts hide locations for multiple reasons. Darren Linvill from Clemson University studies misinformation. He says some accounts are run by troll farms or state-backed groups. Others aim to earn money by posing as American voices. Mantzarlis agrees financial gain drives many users and notes political groups often use covert accounts to influence debates.
Bad actors will adapt to the new system
Linvill believes users will find ways around the new feature. He says VPNs and altered account creation will make accounts appear as if they originated in Western countries or inside the US.
