Source: aajtak
Elon Musk's social media platform, X, has recently introduced an innovative feature offering in-depth insights about user accounts. This feature allows users to track changes in usernames and determine the geographical origin of account operations, significantly enhancing transparency and awareness.
(Photo: Unsplash)
Source: aajtak
The transparency tool revolutionizes discussions around hot topics by revealing the true identities and origins of contributors. For instance, it distinguishes between accounts posting on Indian national issues from within India and those potentially spreading misinformation from afar, such as from Pakistan. This is set to be a game-changer for identifying and combating online misinformation.
(Photo: Unsplash)
Source: aajtak
Numerous accounts posing as Indian entities have been detected on X, actively engaging in discussions on Indian matters but operating from foreign territories. Accounts run from Pakistan or the Middle East have been shown to drive misinformation, propaganda, and political narratives under the guise of being Indian voices.
(Photo: Unsplash)
Source: aajtak
The Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) team of India Today has discovered multiple accounts claiming to post on Indian affairs that are actually managed from abroad.
(Photo: Unsplash)
Source: aajtak
One such account, @chaturvediswat, is fronted by an image of an Indian woman, with 'Jai Hind' written in its bio, and purports to be located in India. However, investigations reveal its operation from Pakistan.
(Photo: OSNIT)
Source: aajtak
Another account, with over two thousand posts, predominantly criticizes Indian governmental policies and is managed from within Pakistan. Similar accounts, running out of Saudi Arabia and Western Asia, claim an Indian identity to skew narratives and spread misinformation.
(Photo: OSNIT)
Source: aajtak
Despite these insights, the feature does present limitations. Users employing VPNs may still mask their true locations, presenting a challenge in maintaining absolute transparency. Usage of proxies heightens this challenge.
(Photo: OSNIT)
Source: aajtak
X's Head of Product, Nikita Bier, states that although the data accuracy isn't infallible—certain internet providers might use proxies without informing users—data updates will be based on the best available information over time.
