X begins showing account details to help users spot fake profiles

Elon Musk’s social media platform X has quietly introduced a new set of profile details that aims to help people judge whether an account is genuine. The rollout has been spotted by users over the past few days, with many finding an “About this account” section now visible on their own profiles.

The feature shows where an account is based, how many times it has changed its username, when it first joined the platform, and even how the app was downloaded, such as through the US App Store or Google Play. The move follows growing concern over bots and misleading profiles, especially as artificial intelligence tools become easier to misuse.

A push for transparency

X first floated the idea in October, when the company’s head of product Nikita Bier said staff profiles would begin showing these extra details. He said the goal was to help users decide whether they were engaging with a real person or a suspicious account trying to stir controversy or spread false information.

An example often shared by users is of profiles claiming to be from one country while actually being based somewhere entirely different. Bier recently responded to a user’s public request to make location disclosure mandatory, telling them to give him 72 hours. Days later, the feature began appearing for more people.

What users can see

For those who have access, tapping the “Joined” date on their profile opens a page with the new information, including the number and timing of any username changes. That level of detail has not yet been extended to viewing other people’s profiles, which suggests X may be giving account holders time to check and edit their information first.

Users can also choose how much location data appears publicly. The setting offers the option to show either the user’s country or only a broader region. While this was expected to be meant for places where speaking freely carries risks, early reports show even US users can switch between the two choices.

What might come next

Hints found in the app’s code suggest X is testing a warning that would appear on accounts using a VPN. The alert would tell visitors that the visible location might not be accurate. It is not yet known if the company plans to activate this feature widely.

X has not commented on the rollout, though Bier has joked online about the steady stream of posts from users who have discovered the feature.

Instagram and other major apps already offer similar transparency tools, but the change marks one of X’s most visible efforts to tackle inauthentic engagement on the platform.