New tool uncovers unexpected account origins
X’s location feature has exposed political accounts with large audiences operating outside the US. Users discovered pro-Trump accounts posting about US politics while based abroad. Some anti-Trump accounts also misrepresented their locations. Their posts generated millions of impressions, which can lead to payouts from X.
X maintains confidence in its data
The “about this account” tab shows location on every profile. It warns that travel, temporary stays, and VPNs may affect accuracy. X’s product chief Nikita Bier says the data is 99% accurate. On Saturday, Trump shared a screenshot on Truth Social from “TRUMP_ARMY_.” The post celebrated 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 occurred in July 2022. The profile now reads “an Indian who loves America, President Trump, Musk!”
Fan accounts show foreign influence
The account “IvankaNews_” promoted Trump’s daughter and gathered 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 the location became public, the account said “some of us living outside the USA genuinely support President Trump’s movement.” X appears to have suspended the account, though the reason remains unknown.
Anti-Trump accounts also mislead users
Investigators found anti-Trump accounts posting from unexpected countries. One account 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.
Foreign-linked activity impacts Scottish politics
Several accounts claimed Scottish roots while promoting independence. X’s location data shows they accessed the platform from Iran via Android. The tab lists the Netherlands as their location but warns VPN use may affect results.
Monetisation drives deceptive behaviour
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 reach over five million impressions in three months. Alexios Mantzarlis from Cornell Tech says the blue tick system worsens platform problems. He argues paid badges prioritise revenue over verification. Features like “community notes” indicate X is attempting to improve transparency.
Experts highlight financial and political motives
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 earn money by posing as American voices. Mantzarlis adds that financial gain motivates many users and political groups often use covert accounts to influence debates.
Bad actors will adapt to the new system
Linvill believes users will quickly bypass the tool using VPNs or altered account creation. These tactics can make accounts appear to originate in Western countries or inside the US.
