New 'X' Feature Raises Privacy Concerns Among Users
The social media platform X has implemented a new feature that displays the user's country on their profile, igniting significant debate over privacy and digital identity.
Account DogeDesigner (@cb_doge), recognized for its reliable leaks regarding updates on X, disclosed that users can view the country of the account holder by clicking on the Joined date on their profile page. The account shared an image illustrating the new design, indicating that the update is being gradually rolled out to users globally, with variations depending on the testing phase.
* Transparency or Privacy Concern?
This initiative is part of the platform's strategy to promote a "real digital identity," but it has raised alarms among users, particularly activists and individuals in regions with political unrest or limited freedom of expression.
Users have raised questions about whether the country information is automatically derived from the IP address or based on user-selected data or paid account details, as there has been no official statement from X management.
Digital privacy experts caution that this feature could lead to intense discussions, especially if the platform does not offer a clear option to conceal the country or manage its visibility, similar to the privacy settings for email or phone numbers in verified accounts.
* A Series of Controversial Changes
This update is part of a broader set of changes made by X since Elon Musk's acquisition of the platform two years ago. Key updates include:
• Expansion of paid verification.
• New measures to combat fake accounts.
• Enhanced user identity verification to improve credibility.
Observers suggest that Musk's vision for X is to evolve it into a multifunctional platform integrating financial services, content, and communication. However, this approach may encounter legal hurdles in jurisdictions with strict data protection regulations or where explicit consent is required for displaying sensitive information.
* Potential Future Options
Tech analysts indicate that the feature is still under testing and may eventually include an option for users to hide their country or control its visibility. Developers emphasize that user feedback in the coming days will be critical in shaping the final version of the update.
