X Reveals User Locations Amid Controversy Over Global Trolls
UPDATE: In a bold move to combat misinformation, Elon Musk’s X has launched a controversial feature revealing users’ countries of origin. The tool, named “About This Account,” is now accessible globally as of November 23, 2025, but the rollout has been marred by confusion and backlash.
The feature, which allows users to see the country linked to an account based on signup data, aims to enhance transparency on the platform previously known as Twitter. Nikita Bier, X’s product chief, announced the feature in a post that garnered 4.6 million views, highlighting its significance in restoring trust.
“This is an important first step to securing the integrity of the global town square,” Bier stated just hours before the global rollout. However, the initial release faced severe technical issues, leading to unexpected labels. Some users, including a pro-Israel commentator, were inaccurately tagged as being from India, while U.S. Homeland Security briefly appeared as being from Israel.
As reported by Mashable, these inaccuracies stemmed from the use of VPNs and Musk’s Starlink internet service, which led to data misrouting. The feature’s abrupt introduction has turned users into bug hunters, exposing flaws and creating viral memes that both mock the situation and express support for the initiative.
The urgency of this development cannot be overstated. X is struggling to regain the trust of users, particularly those aged 18 to 29, whose engagement has dropped from 42% to 33% in just over a year, according to industry surveys. The platform has faced intense competition from rivals such as Meta’s Threads and ByteDance’s TikTok.
Bier’s innovative approach comes after his previous successes with apps like TBH and Gas, and he aims to position X as a resilient platform against misinformation and foreign interference. Early screenshots from his profile revealed labels like “Based in: United States,” indicating a shift towards greater accountability.
Critics have raised concerns about privacy and potential doxxing, with advocates warning that the feature could expose users to harassment. Bier addressed these issues by noting that the feature would initially be viewable only on one’s own profile to mitigate backlash in high-risk regions.
In the immediate aftermath of the launch, reactions on social media have been mixed. While some users have praised the transparency, others have criticized the technical flaws and potential for misuse. Notably, users from Kenya and Austria displayed political affiliations that contradicted their actual locations, raising questions about the accuracy of the data.
As X navigates this tumultuous rollout, the implications are clear: the balance between transparency and privacy is more crucial than ever. Users are left wondering if these labels will genuinely curb misinformation or simply exacerbate nationalistic tensions.
Next Steps: X has paused the feature to address the backlash and technical issues, with Bier promising adjustments to improve accuracy and user safety. The tech world is watching closely to see how X will adapt and whether these labels will indeed serve their intended purpose.
As this story develops, stay tuned for further updates on X’s efforts to redefine user transparency and the ongoing battle against online misinformation.
