El-Balad reports that a new location feature on X has revealed that numerous high-engagement accounts in US politics are not based in the United States. This has raised concerns regarding the authenticity of these accounts and their influence on users.
X’s Location Transparency Feature
The transparency feature allows users to view the geographical data of accounts via an “about this account” tab. However, users are warned that this data might not always be accurate due to factors like travel or the use of virtual private networks (VPNs). Despite these disclaimers, Nikita Bier, head of product at X, claims the information is 99% reliable.
High-Profile Pro-Trump Accounts
- One account, “TRUMP_ARMY_,” has over 500,000 followers and celebrated a Supreme Court ruling. It was revealed to originate from India, despite its pro-Trump assertions.
- Another account, “IvankaNews_,” purports to support Trump’s daughter and claims one million followers, but is based in Nigeria.
After the location of “IvankaNews_” was uncovered, it stated its support for Trump despite being outside the US. However, X subsequently suspended the account under unclear circumstances.
Anti-Trump Accounts
Interestingly, some accounts that share anti-Trump content also turned out to be foreign-based. One such account, calling itself a “proud Democrat,” had 52,000 followers and was ultimately deleted after its Kenyan roots were exposed.
Scottish Independence Accounts
Accounts claiming to advocate for Scottish independence were also scrutinized. Though they appeared to be from Scotland, X’s location data revealed they were being accessed from Iran, casting doubt on their authenticity.
Impact of Blue Tick Verification
Many of the accounts in question had blue ticks, indicating they were part of X’s Premium service. This might allow them to earn money from high engagement rates. To qualify for monetization, accounts must pass identity verification and achieve over 5 million impressions within three months.
Expert Opinions on Misinformation
Experts believe that the verified status of these accounts suggests a problematic focus on monetization rather than genuine verification efforts. Alexios Mantzarlis from Cornell Tech noted that X’s pay-for-play system is not a serious form of account validation.
Additionally, there are varying motivations for accounts to misrepresent their locations. Darren Linvill, a media forensics expert, highlighted motivations ranging from financial gain to orchestrated misinformation campaigns by state actors.
Potential for Evasion
Despite the new location feature, experts warn that bad actors may find ways to manipulate their geographical data. VPNs and other tactics could allow users to appear as if they are operating from within the United States.
The implications of X’s location transparency feature may have a profound impact on political discourse online, emphasizing the need for continued scrutiny of user account authenticity.
