A new tool reveals unexpected account origins
X’s location feature has exposed numerous political accounts with significant influence. Users found pro-Trump accounts posting about US politics while operating from abroad. Some anti-Trump accounts also used false locations. Their posts generated millions of impressions, which can trigger payouts from X.
X defends accuracy despite VPN concerns
The location tag appears in the “about this account” tab 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 of an account named “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 states it belongs to “an Indian who loves America, President Trump, Musk!”
Fan accounts operate from unexpected countries
“IvankaNews_” claimed to be a fan page for Trump’s daughter. It gathered more than one million followers and encouraged votes for Trump last year. X’s data shows the account operates from Nigeria and changed its username 11 times since 2010. After its location became public, 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 is unclear.
Anti-Trump accounts also misrepresent locations
Researchers found anti-Trump accounts posting from abroad. One profile 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.
Scottish political debates show foreign involvement
Several accounts claimed Scottish origins and promoted independence. X’s location data shows these accounts used the Android app from Iran. The tab lists the Netherlands as their location but adds a warning that VPN use may influence results.
Monetisation incentivizes misleading accounts
Most exposed accounts carried blue ticks, showing they subscribed to X’s Premium service. This status 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 serve revenue rather than verification. However, features like “community notes” show X is attempting to improve transparency.
Experts cite mixed financial and political motives
Accounts hide locations for different reasons. Darren Linvill from Clemson University studies misinformation. He says some accounts belong to troll farms or state-backed operations. Others aim to earn money by posing as American voices. Mantzarlis agrees that financial gain motivates many users and notes political groups often use covert accounts to influence debate.
Bad actors will adapt despite new rules
Linvill believes many users will bypass the tool using VPNs or other tactics. He warns these methods could make accounts appear to originate in Western countries or within the US itself.
