A tool uncovers hidden origins behind political accounts
X’s new location tool has revealed surprising origins behind many political accounts with large audiences. Users noticed pro-Trump profiles that posted heavily about US politics but operated far from the US. Some anti-Trump accounts also used false or misleading locations. Their posts earned millions of impressions that could lead to payouts from X.
X defends the accuracy of the feature
The location tag appears in the new “about this account” tab on every profile. The tab warns that travel, temporary stays and VPNs may affect the result. Yet X’s product chief Nikita Bier insists the data is 99% accurate. On Saturday, Trump shared a screenshot on Truth Social from an account called “TRUMP_ARMY_”. The post praised a court ruling that allegedly allows him to deport criminals to El Salvador. The account has more than half a million followers, including a senior Republican senator. X’s data shows the account operates from India and changed its username four times since March 2022. The last change happened in July 2022. The profile now describes “an Indian who loves America, President Trump, Musk!”
Popular fan accounts also face scrutiny
Another account named “IvankaNews_” presented itself as a fan page for Trump’s daughter. It collected more than one million followers and urged people to vote for Trump last year. But X’s location tool shows the account operates from Nigeria and changed its username 11 times since 2010. After the location became visible, the account wrote that “some of us living outside the USA genuinely support President Trump’s movement”. X appears to have suspended the account, though no reason is known.
Anti-Trump voices show similar patterns
Investigators also found anti-Trump accounts posting from unexpected places. One account with 52,000 followers claimed to be a “proud Democrat” and a “professional Maga hunter”. The user deleted the profile after the new tool showed activity from Kenya.
Foreign-linked activity reaches Scottish debates
Researchers discovered accounts claiming Scottish roots and pushing for Scottish independence. X’s location data shows these accounts used the Android app from Iran. The tab lists the Netherlands as their location but warns that VPNs may influence the label.
Monetisation fuels many hidden identities
Most exposed accounts carried blue ticks. This badge shows they subscribed to X’s Premium service, which allows creators to earn money from engagement. Creators must pass identity checks and gather more than five million impressions in three months. Alexios Mantzarlis from Cornell Tech says the blue tick system worsens existing platform problems. He argues that the paid badge acts as a revenue tool instead of a real verification system. He adds that features like “community notes” still show an effort to improve transparency.
Experts point to varied financial and political motives
Researchers say accounts hide locations for many reasons. Darren Linvill from Clemson University studies misinformation. He says some accounts come from troll farms or state-backed operators. Others try to earn money by presenting themselves as American voices. Mantzarlis agrees and says people can earn money by fuelling US culture wars online. He notes that political groups and state actors have long used covert accounts to shape public debate.
Bad actors prepare new methods to evade detection
Linvill believes users will adapt quickly despite the new transparency effort. He says bad actors will bypass the tool with VPNs and adjust their account creation tactics. He warns that these methods may make accounts appear as though they began in Western countries or even inside the US.
