A tool exposes unexpected account locations
X’s location feature has revealed political accounts with massive reach operating outside the US. Users identified pro-Trump accounts posting about US politics while based abroad. Some anti-Trump accounts also presented misleading locations. Their posts generated millions of impressions, which can result in payouts from X.
X defends the reliability of its data
The “about this account” tab shows location on each profile. It warns that travel, temporary stays, and VPNs may affect accuracy. X’s product chief Nikita Bier says the data is 99% accurate. On Saturday, Trump shared a screenshot on Truth Social from “TRUMP_ARMY_.” The post praised 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 data 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 states it belongs to “an Indian who loves America, President Trump, Musk!”
Fan accounts reveal surprising origins
The account “IvankaNews_” promoted Trump’s daughter and gathered over one million followers. It 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 became public, 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 no reason has been given.
Anti-Trump accounts also misrepresent locations
Researchers found anti-Trump accounts posting from unexpected regions. One account with 52,000 followers called itself a “proud Democrat” and “professional Maga hunter.” The user deleted the profile after the tool revealed activity from Kenya.
Foreign-linked activity appears in Scottish politics
Several accounts claimed Scottish roots while promoting independence. X’s location data shows they accessed the platform from Iran via Android. The tab lists the Netherlands as their location but warns that VPN use may affect results.
Financial motives encourage misleading 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 earn 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 prioritize revenue over verification. Features like “community notes” indicate X is attempting to improve transparency.
Experts highlight mixed motives behind deception
Accounts hide locations for many reasons. Darren Linvill from Clemson University studies misinformation. He says some accounts come from troll farms or state-backed operators. Others aim to earn money by posing as American voices. Mantzarlis agrees that financial gain drives many users and that political groups often exploit covert accounts to influence debates.
Bad actors will adapt to the new feature
Linvill believes users will quickly find ways to bypass the tool. VPNs and altered account creation can make accounts appear to originate in Western countries or inside the US.
