New 'X' Feature Raises Privacy Concerns Among Users
The social media platform X has rolled out an update that reveals users' countries on their profiles, prompting extensive discussions and concerns regarding privacy and digital identity.
The account DogeDesigner (@cb_doge), known for its reliable leaks regarding updates on X, announced that this new feature allows users to view the country of the account holder by clicking on the Join Date displayed on their profile page.
The account shared an image illustrating the new design, confirming that the update is being gradually deployed to users globally, with variations in appearance depending on the testing phase of each account.
* Transparency or Privacy Breach?
This development is part of the platform's efforts to promote "real digital identity," yet it has raised concerns among many users, particularly activists and residents of countries facing political tensions or restrictions on free speech.
Users have questioned whether the country is automatically determined via the IP address or if it relies on user-selected data or information from their paid accounts, as there has been no official clarification from X's management.
Digital privacy experts warn that this feature could spark heated debates, especially if the platform does not provide a clear option to hide the country or control its visibility, similar to the options available for email or phone numbers in verified accounts.
* A Series of Controversial Updates
This move is part of a broader set of changes implemented by X over the past two years following Elon Musk's acquisition of the platform. These changes include:
• Expansion of paid verification.
• Introduction of new measures to combat fake accounts.
• More precise user identification to enhance credibility.
Observers believe Musk aims to transform X into a comprehensive platform that combines financial services, content, and communications, but this policy may face legal challenges in countries with strict regulations on personal data collection or those requiring explicit consent before presenting sensitive information to users.
* Potential New Options
Technical circles suggest that the feature is still in testing and may eventually include an option for users to hide their country or choose how it is displayed. Developers indicate that user feedback in the coming days will be crucial in shaping the final version of the update.
