X Expands Its Transparency Tools
X — formerly Twitter — has rolled out a feature that shows the likely country of origin for user accounts. Many people often scroll through posts while wondering where certain profiles come from. Now, the new update answers that question with far less effort and with greater clarity.
The platform calls the tool About this account. X created it to give users clearer background information and stronger control when assessing the credibility of any profile. Moreover, the company hopes this update will slow the spread of misinformation and coordinated manipulation, both of which continue to influence online conversations globally.
What the New Feature Reveals
The feature shows several important details about each account. X now includes:
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The country linked to the profile
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The number of times the username changed
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The country where the account began
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Whether the user created the account on the web or through a specific app store
These details help users understand the context behind an account. Additionally, they encourage people to make more informed choices about who they follow or trust. X tested the feature in October. According to Nikita Bier, the Head of Product, the company wants to limit fake accounts and reduce misleading content. He emphasized that greater transparency improves trust and increases the quality of discussions on the platform.
How Users Can Access the Feature
Accessing the new information requires only a simple step. When a user opens any profile and taps the Joined section, a detailed panel appears. This panel displays all available data related to that account. The process takes only a moment, and it offers quick insight that may influence how a user engages with the profile.
X chose a phased rollout. Therefore, some people may not see the feature on Android or iOS apps yet. Others already have access through the web version. Many technology companies use staggered releases because they allow teams to monitor performance, gather feedback, and make timely adjustments before completing a global launch.
How X’s Approach Compares With Instagram
Several social platforms already offer transparency tools, and Instagram is one of them. Instagram gives users the option to share or hide location-related information. Similarly, X allows users to conceal their country-of-origin details if they prefer more privacy.
However, the platform adds a label to profiles that choose not to display this data. This label helps other users understand that certain information remains hidden intentionally. Consequently, it maintains trust without forcing anyone to reveal details they want to protect. The approach aligns with broader industry trends, especially as governments and digital rights groups continue to demand more clarity about how profiles operate online.
Why This Feature Matters
Concerns about misinformation, anonymous influence campaigns, and deceptive networks have grown sharply in recent years. During elections, global crises, and major breaking news events, false information often circulates rapidly. As a result, many users feel uncertain about who stands behind particular accounts.
The new feature can help address these concerns. It enables users to:
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Spot suspicious behavior more quickly
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Evaluate credibility with greater confidence
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Protect conversations from manipulation
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Disrupt organized misinformation networks
Researchers have long noted that misleading narratives frequently spread through anonymous or deceptive profiles. Thus, transparency tools offer users early warnings when something appears unusual. They also help responsible individuals present themselves with more clarity and authenticity.
A Change That May Influence Online Interaction
The update may shape how people read posts and participate in discussions on X. It does not remove anonymity entirely. However, it adds a meaningful layer of accountability. Honest users gain a tool that demonstrates openness, while malicious actors face more difficulty hiding behind vague profiles.
X continues to evolve under new leadership and shifting platform policies. As the company moves forward, features that encourage openness and clarity may play a vital role in rebuilding user confidence.
For now, the tool already works on the web version. The mobile rollout will expand further as X completes each stage of the phased release.
