A new visible label on each profile
X has launched a new feature that shows the estimated country of origin of an account. This information appears in the section "About this account", accessible by clicking on a profile's registration date.
This change is one of the most significant updates since the social network's redesign.
Why does X introduce this option?
The declared objective is to make digital identity more transparent.
In response to the increase in fake accounts, bots, and foreign disinformation campaigns, X aims to provide users with an additional indicator to assess a profile's credibility.
This measure is part of a broader strategy to restore trust in public conversations.
How is the country determined?
Contrary to popular belief, the user does not choose their country :
it is automatically calculated from several technical signals:
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the country of the App Store or Play Store used when creating the account;
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IP address history;
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data from Premium subscriptions;
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device-related metadata.
In certain situations, users can choose to display a broad regionfor security reasons (e.g., "Europe," "Middle East & North Africa").
Where does this information appear?
The country or region is displayed as:
"Account based in [Country/Region]".
This indication is located in a section grouping several technical data:
account creation date, previous usernames, security elements, etc.
Transparency or a threat to privacy?
Benefits
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Enables users to more easily identify anonymous accounts manipulating their location.
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Helps to spot foreign influence operations.
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Strengthens the visibility of authentic accounts.
Concerns
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Risks for activists, journalists, and dissenters in sensitive countries.
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Possibility of errors: a user who uses a VPN or travels frequently may see an incorrect country displayed.
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Fear of misuse of this information to harass or discredit certain accounts.
The functionality relies on technical data already collected by X, but its public exposure profoundly changes users' perceptions.
What impact for creators and brands?
For influencers, journalists, or experts, the geographical label can affect their credibility.
An account targeting a local audience may be taken less seriously if its displayed country does not match where it claims to be located.
For brands, it's essential to ensure that this information does not contradict their messages and does not create confusion among followers.
Conclusion
The display of the country of origin for accounts marks a turning point in the evolution of X.
Presented as a transparency tool, this feature can improve the fight against disinformation, but it also presents a major challenge: finding a balance between digital security, privacy, and freedom of expression.
The rollout continues gradually, and X may still adjust this system based on user feedback.
