A new tool uncovers surprising account origins
X’s location feature has revealed political accounts with large audiences operating far from the US. Users spotted pro-Trump accounts posting about US politics while based abroad. Some anti-Trump accounts also misrepresented their locations. Their posts gained millions of impressions, which can lead to payouts from X.
X insists the data remains reliable
The “about this account” tab displays location on each profile. It warns that travel, temporary stays, and VPNs may affect accuracy. 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 praised a Supreme Court ruling allegedly allowing him to deport criminals to El Salvador. The account has more than 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 was in July 2022. The profile now states it belongs to “an Indian who loves America, President Trump, Musk!”
Fan accounts reveal global origins
The account “IvankaNews_” promoted Trump’s daughter and gained 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 is given.
Anti-Trump accounts also mislead
Investigators found anti-Trump accounts posting from abroad. One account with 52,000 followers described itself as a “proud Democrat” and “professional Maga hunter.” The user deleted the profile after the tool revealed activity from Kenya.
Foreign-linked accounts affect Scottish politics
Several accounts claimed Scottish roots while promoting independence. X’s location data shows they accessed the service from Iran via Android. The tab lists the Netherlands as the location but warns VPN use may distort results.
Financial incentives drive deceptive 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 achieve over five million impressions in three months. Alexios Mantzarlis from Cornell Tech says the blue tick system worsens platform issues. He argues that paid badges focus on revenue, not verification. Features like “community notes” still indicate X’s efforts toward transparency.
Experts note mixed motives behind location masking
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 financial gain motivates many users and that political groups often use covert accounts to shape debates.
Users will adapt despite new rules
Linvill believes bad actors will find ways to bypass the feature. VPNs and altered account creation can make accounts appear to originate in the West or inside the US.
