In one of the most contentious updates since Elon Musk acquired “X” (formerly Twitter), the platform has begun testing a new feature that discloses an account’s country of use through an expanded information page titled “About This Account.” Users can view this new data by clicking on the “Joined” date displayed on any profile.
The experimental update briefly appeared before being withdrawn to fix technical issues.
During its short activation, users were given access to a broader set of transparency tools, including:
- The current country or region from which the account is being used.
- The country in which the account was originally created, along with the creation date.
- A log of username changes, including the number of changes and the date of the latest modification — a measure intended to detect sold or repurposed accounts.
- Information regarding how the account was created (via the app or the web).
- Verification details and the history of blue-check authentication.
At this stage, users can only view this information for their own accounts. However, X is expected to make the data visible to all users once the feature is fully launched.
During the brief testing period, many users discovered discrepancies between claimed locations and the actual operating country of several high-profile accounts.
Examples circulated of individuals soliciting donations for causes in specific countries while operating from entirely different regions. Some accounts presenting themselves as belonging to Gulf states were shown to be active from other continents.
Observers say the new geolocation feature could become a vital tool in identifying misleading content, detecting fake identities, and uncovering automated or funded accounts.
Despite these advantages, the update has triggered widespread debate. Activists expressed concern that revealing a user’s country may expose them to risks or persecution, while others questioned the reliability of geolocation in cases involving VPN use.
According to preliminary information, X may allow users to display only a general region instead of a specific country, though accounts that hide location data could receive a special label. There are also indications that the platform may flag VPN usage with a visible warning.
The update follows a major cleanup operation in which X removed 1.7 million bot accounts accused of overwhelming public conversations and replies.
Nikita Beer, X’s Head of Product, described the new tool as a “revolution in account verification,” saying it will help users identify falsely located profiles, distinguish between human and automated accounts, and detect coordinated or funded manipulation efforts.
Technology specialists view the move as part of a broader global shift toward increased digital identity transparency in the age of artificial intelligence, where concealing one’s real location is becoming more difficult.
Although debate continues, the upcoming location disclosure feature may significantly reshape user trust on the platform by exposing fake accounts and enhancing accountability in online interactions. It marks a new step in X’s effort to reinforce digital integrity at a time of rising misinformation and identity manipulation.
