Platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has started rolling out a new feature that shows the country in which a user is based, marking a significant shift in its transparency efforts. The feature, which began appearing for select users on Friday, November 21, 2025, is still being implemented in phases. Because of this, not all accounts currently display the new country label or have accessible location data.
According to the platform, the update aims to address long-standing concerns about foreign interference, coordinated propaganda campaigns, and anonymous influence operations. Supporters of the move argue that revealing user locations, especially for large accounts could help identify profiles that participate in political manipulation or cross-border information warfare.
How the Feature Works
As part of the phased rollout, X now shows a small country tag on a user’s profile. The tag represents the country where the account is active. However, the platform has added settings that allow users to choose a broader option if they prefer not to display a specific nation.
X provides users with the ability to show either:
- Their country of residence, or
- Their continent or geographical region (for example: Asia, Europe, Africa)
This gives users a level of control over how much location information they want visible while still supporting X’s transparency goals.
Why the Change Matters
For years, social media researchers and digital watchdogs have pointed out that anonymous accounts from foreign countries often contribute to:
- Political misinformation
- Election interference
- Propaganda campaigns
- Coordinated bot activity
- Targeted harassment efforts
By showing verified or system-detected country information, X aims to reduce the impact of such deceptive behavior. Transparency advocates believe this update will help users evaluate the credibility of accounts more easily, especially those discussing sensitive political or international issues.
A Gradual Rollout
The feature is not yet universal. Many users still do not see country labels on their profiles or timelines. X has said that the rollout will continue over the coming months, after which it may expand the feature to more accounts or introduce related transparency tools.
User Reactions
The update has received mixed responses:
- Supporters say it is a necessary step to curb foreign interference and increase trust.
- Privacy advocates warn that displaying country information, even in general form may expose users to risks in politically sensitive regions.
For now, X maintains that user choice is central, and the option to display a region instead of a specific country provides an important privacy alternative.
As the feature expands globally, it is expected to play a larger role in political communication, digital safety, online research, and platform accountability.