X's new location feature sparks controversy, but is the data reliable?

"A new feature rolled out on the social media platform X has set off waves of finger-pointing by suggesting that many account holders may not be physically located where users assume they are. Late last week, X, which is owned by Elon Musk, added more information to most accounts, including some that could provide clues on where the account user is located."

"Seeming inconsistencies quickly surfaced. An account called @MAGANationX that describes itself as a "Patriot Voice for We The People" is labelled as "based in Eastern Europe (Non-EU)." The handle @American was "Based in Pakistan." An account used by a person who identifies as a journalist in Gaza now says it's "Based in" Poland and "Connected via" an app in the U.K. That may mean various things, including that the account was registered in the U.K."

"Other account holders have not claimed to be in the U.S. or Americans, but they nonetheless appear as a part of American political discourse. Doge Designer, an account focused on praising Musk and his companies with 1.7 millions followers, including Musk himself, is based in India. A fan account of Ivanka Trump, which says it has "No Affiliations with @IvankaTrump" in bio, has nearly a million followers and is based in Nigeria."

X introduced new account information labels that can indicate where users are based or how they connect. The labels produced apparent inconsistencies: some accounts appearing in U.S. political discourse show locations in Eastern Europe, Pakistan, Poland, India, and Nigeria. The platform has not provided definitions for label terms such as "Based in" or "Connected via," and location metadata can be manipulated or reflect registration origins. Several high-following fan and political accounts drew accusations of impersonation and astroturfing. X suspended at least two accounts, but the specific policy violations and enforcement criteria remain unclear.

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