X’s New Account Location Feature Faces Criticism and Misuse
A recently launched feature on X, designed to provide users with more details about account origins, is drawing criticism for inaccuracies and fueling online disputes. The “About This account” tool displays the country where an account was created and its current reported location, but users are reporting frequent discrepancies. X acknowledged the feature is still developing, notably regarding older accounts, and may not always be accurate.
The rollout has coincided with a trend on the platform where users are highlighting accounts purportedly based outside the European Union, particularly those presenting as American or pro-American. This has even extended to political figures using the feature to suggest their opponents are involved in undisclosed foreign influence.
The location data displayed includes details like account creation date, verification status, and the platform used to access X (e.g., “Europe Android App”).While intended to combat bots and malicious activity by offering greater transparency, the feature appears to be amplifying distrust and accusations.
X explains that reported locations can be misleading due to factors such as frequent travel, the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), or outdated IP address information. The initial goal of providing context and identifying potentially harmful accounts is being overshadowed by the spread of misinformation and the weaponization of the location data.
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