Users Can Now See the Country of Account Holders Feature May Become a Hot Topic of Discussion Soon

The social media platform X has begun rolling out a new update that displays the user’s country directly on their profile, a move that has sparked widespread interaction and debate among users regarding digital identity and privacy protection.

A well-known account that tracks platform updates and shares reliable leaks revealed that users can now see the country where the account holder is located by clicking on the "Joined date" on the profile page.

The account also shared an illustrative image of the new design, noting that the update is being gradually rolled out worldwide and may appear differently from one account to another depending on the testing phase.

Transparency or Privacy Threat?

The move, described by X as aiming to enhance “real digital identity,” has triggered broad discussion, with many users expressing concerns that revealing the country could expose some individuals to risks, especially activists or residents in countries with political tensions or restrictions on freedom of expression.

Some users have questioned how the country is determined—whether automatically via the IP address or based on account data chosen by the user—given that no official clarification has been provided by the platform’s management yet.

Feature Could Spark Heated Debate

Digital privacy experts warn that this feature could become a major topic of discussion in the near future if it does not include a clear option for users to control or hide the country display, similar to how email addresses or phone numbers are handled in verified accounts.

A Series of Controversial Updates Since Musk’s Acquisition

This move is part of a wide range of changes introduced by X since Elon Musk acquired the platform, including expanding paid verification, implementing new mechanisms to combat fake accounts, and more strictly verifying user identities.

Observers note that Musk aims to transform X into a platform based on credibility and real identity, with long-term plans to turn it into a comprehensive app combining financial services, content, and communication. However, they caution that these policies could face legal challenges in some countries that impose restrictions on collecting personal data or require explicit consent before displaying sensitive information.