X is rolling out a new transparency feature called “About this account”, and it is one of the biggest profile-level changes since Elon Musk took over the platform. The feature shows the country where an account is located, the country where it was originally created, how many times the username has changed, and even how the account is accessing X.
This information will soon be visible directly from a user’s profile. The idea is simple: give people more context before they trust or engage with a post.
The feature is still rolling out, so you may only see this information for your own profile for now. Many users are posting early screenshots as they become available for more accounts.
Once the rollout completes, a user’s profile will display:
- Country of current activity
- Country where the account was originally created
- Username change history
- Whether the account is connected via the web or through an app store
- Privacy toggle markers if the user chooses to hide some details
- VPN disclaimers saying the location “may not be accurate”
Right now, users can check their own information under the “Joined” button. By default, profiles will show the exact country, but users can switch to broader visibility, such as region or continent.
Nikita Bier, X’s head of product, says the goal is clear: improve authenticity. X has struggled for years with bots, fake accounts, impersonation, misinformation, and anonymous influence campaigns. Giving more background about an account may help people understand:
- Where a message is coming from
- Whether an account frequently rebrands (a red flag for spam)
- Whether the account looks legitimate
- Whether the account is tied to a real device or is operating through multiple unknown setups
It aligns with a broader trend where major platforms have added stronger identity signals to fight misuse. Meta introduced Page transparency. Instagram added its own “About this account.” X is now catching up.
This change will have a huge impact on users on X. Users who frequently switch usernames or hide behind fake identities may now be easier to spot. This does not eliminate anonymity, but it adds a layer of background that makes it harder to manipulate discussions from the shadows. Now that misinformation on social media platforms is at its peak, knowing where an account is actually operating from can help users decide whether to trust the content.
Many bot accounts operate by frequently changing identities. This new display of username-change history makes their activity patterns more visible.
Many bot accounts operate by frequently changing identities. This new display of username-change history makes their activity patterns more visible. VPN users will also see a disclaimer saying their region “may not be accurate,” which could create confusion or misunderstandings.
This is a smart, overdue step for X. It is important in a world where deepfakes, AI bots, and anonymous manipulation are rising every day. Knowing where an account is created and how it behaves offers a simple but powerful signal of authenticity. However, I still see some concerns. Users in sensitive regions or political environments may not want their country displayed. VPN users may face unnecessary confusion due to inaccurate location warnings.
