SOCIAL media platform X is rolling out a feature that displays detailed background information about user accounts, including current location, the country where the account was created, device source and username history.
The update has opened a debate about how increased transparency may affect users who depend on anonymity, especially activists, political figures and others who operate in restrictive states.
The feature, called ‘About This Account’, marks a shift in how X presents user identity and account history.
How it works
The information now appears under the ‘Joined’ section on profiles, although full visibility is still being rolled out.
When complete, users will see the country linked to an account at that moment, the original creation country, the number of username changes and the platform or app store through which the account was registered.
Profiles using VPNs will carry a disclaimer stating that the country or region may not be accurate.
According to X’s head of product, Nikita Bier, the aim is to help users evaluate the credibility of content by offering more context about who runs an account.
X has introduced a limited privacy control that allows users to switch from displaying a specific country to a broader region, such as a continent.
But they cannot turn the feature off entirely, meaning an account will retain some form of location visibility.
Are activists safe?
This has raised concerns among digital rights groups, who argue that even regional information can be used to identify or track individuals when combined with other available data.
The company says the change is necessary to curb misinformation and coordinated activity, especially from automated accounts and organised networks that shift locations to influence political conversations.
Other platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, already provide some background information on accounts, and the new X feature brings the platform in line with wider transparency efforts.
However, the update poses new risks for users in sensitive environments. Activists, whistle-blowers and political actors who rely on privacy could find themselves more exposed.
Accounts using VPNs may also attract attention because of the warning label that indicates possible inaccuracy in the location details.
Increased Traceability
The effect of the new feature can already be seen in the case of Blessed Runesu Geza, known as Bombshell Geza, a Zimbabwean political figure, former war veteran and expelled Zanu-PF member.
Geza became a fugitive earlier this year after facing charges that include terrorism and calling for political change.
His whereabouts were unknown for months, although he continued publishing YouTube broadcasts.
When users view his X account through the new tool, the profile shows that he is located in South Africa.
This new visibility contrasts with the uncertainty around his physical location and signals how traceability may increase for political figures and activists who rely on concealment.
Kenya
Beyond Zimbabwe, the feature has already revealed that several influential international X accounts are based in Kenya.
This discovery has sparked discussion about influence, identity and the role of location in shaping online conversations. As more users gain access to the new tool, its global impact is expected to expand.
The ‘About This Account’ feature signals a change in X’s approach to platform transparency.
While it gives users more tools to assess authenticity, it also introduces new questions about safety and exposure.
The full effect will become clearer as the rollout progresses and more users encounter the tension between increased transparency and the need for privacy.
How journalists and activists can keep safe
While the feature is still new, some of the defences include using regional display instead of exact country, to reduce traceability.
X allows users to show either their exact country or a broader region/continent.
2. Limit Personal Information on Profile
Avoid including information that could link your account to your real-world identity, like phone numbers, emails, or other social media handles.
3. Consider Separate Accounts for Public Activity
Use one account for public engagement and another private one for sensitive communication or research.
Misuse
However, there are also fears that the same can be misused by rogue elements amid growing misinformation.
X has also announced efforts to fight misinformation through GrokAI, which will detect deepfakes.
A deepfake is AI-generated media that realistically alters or fabricates a person’s voice or image, often used to deceive or misinform.
This development, should it come, will be a major improvement in fighting misinformation through deepfakes. – IOW Data.
