New tool reveals hidden account origins
X’s location feature has uncovered political accounts with wide reach operating outside the US. Users spotted pro-Trump accounts posting about US politics while based abroad. Some anti-Trump accounts also presented misleading locations. Their posts gained millions of impressions, which can trigger payouts from X.
X defends the accuracy of its feature
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 says the data remains 99% accurate. On Saturday, Trump shared a screenshot on Truth Social from “TRUMP_ARMY_.” The post celebrated 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 says it belongs to “an Indian who loves America, President Trump, Musk!”
Fan accounts operate from abroad
“IvankaNews_” claimed to be a fan page for Trump’s daughter and gathered more than one million followers. It encouraged votes for Trump last year. X data shows the account operates from Nigeria and changed its username 11 times since 2010. After its location became visible, 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 reason is unknown.
Anti-Trump accounts also mislead followers
Researchers discovered anti-Trump accounts posting from outside the US. One account with 52,000 followers called itself a “proud Democrat” and “professional Maga hunter.” The user deleted the profile after the feature revealed activity from Kenya.
Foreign activity affects Scottish political debates
Several accounts claimed Scottish roots and promoted independence. X’s location data shows these accounts accessed the platform from Iran using Android. The tab lists the Netherlands as their location but warns VPN use may affect results.
Monetisation encourages 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 issues. He argues paid badges prioritize revenue over verification. Features like “community notes” still indicate X is trying to improve transparency.
Experts highlight financial and political motives
Accounts hide locations for multiple reasons. Darren Linvill from Clemson University studies misinformation. He says some accounts belong to troll farms or state-backed operators. Others aim to profit by posing as American voices. Mantzarlis adds that money motivates many users and political groups often use covert accounts to influence debates.
Bad actors will adapt despite new rules
Linvill believes users will bypass the tool quickly. VPNs and altered account creation can make accounts appear to originate in Western countries or inside the US.
