X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, has sparked widespread debate following the rollout of a new “About This Account” feature that reveals a user’s location and other background details.
The update, now visible on most profiles, is part of X’s stated effort to improve platform transparency and counter bots, spam, coordinated influence operations, and accounts masquerading as real users.
What the Feature Reveals
The transparency panel displays information including:
- An account’s declared location
- Username change history
- Join date
- How the account was created or accessed
X says the move is aimed at limiting disinformation, particularly as AI-generated content increasingly shapes online conversations.
A Familiar Tool, Renewed Tensions
While the rollout has drawn sharp reactions, similar tools already exist on other platforms. Instagram, for instance, has long offered an “About This Account” section designed to help users identify impersonation and suspicious activity.
However, the scale and timing of X’s update—amid rising geopolitical and electoral sensitivities—has intensified scrutiny.
According to the BBC, dozens of high-engagement X accounts have faced accusations of misleading users after the feature revealed locations that contradicted how the accounts presented themselves publicly.
Kenya in the Spotlight
In Kenya, the feature has triggered mixed reactions. Some users have raised privacy and safety concerns, while others have welcomed the added transparency—particularly after several high-profile accounts branding themselves as “international” were shown to be operating locally.
One account with more than 52,000 followers, presenting itself as a U.S.-focused political commentator, was identified by BBC Verify as being based in Kenya. Another widely followed profile, IvankaNews, which claims to be a fan page dedicated to the U.S. First Daughter, was found to be operated from Nigeria, despite its strong pro-Trump messaging.
Why Location Isn’t Always Disclosed
Experts caution against simplistic conclusions. Darren Linvill, a misinformation researcher at Clemson University’s Media Forensic Hub, notes that users may obscure their locations for varied reasons. These include financial incentives, personal security, or involvement in deceptive practices such as phishing and fraud.
Transparency Limits Remain
Despite X’s push for openness, researchers warn that determined users can still circumvent location indicators using tools like VPNs. This means the challenge of identifying coordinated or manipulated accounts is far from resolved.
As platforms experiment with new forms of transparency, the debate continues over where the balance should lie between public accountability and personal privacy—a question that remains central to the future of digital public spaces.
