Sometimes, a simple feature on a social media app can spark conversations far bigger than anyone expects. That’s exactly what happened after X (formerly Twitter) introduced a new transparency update, one that shows where an account is based, how many times it has changed its username, and how the app was downloaded.
What was meant to boost honesty online has instead stirred emotion, suspicion, and a heated political storm in India.
BJP Raises Alarm: “Why Are Opposition-Linked Accounts Outside India?”
As soon as the update went live, several users noticed something surprising.
Many handles that often speak against the government and appear to support the opposition, suddenly showed locations outside India.
The BJP reacted strongly. Its leaders questioned why some accounts that regularly post anti-government content were marked as being in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ireland, and even the US. The party hinted at the possibility of foreign influence, coordinated digital campaigning, and the use of misleading identities, raising big questions about the authenticity of online political discourse.
Unexpected Location Tags Trigger Public Shock
Users across India shared screenshots of well-known accounts that suddenly displayed foreign regions.
Some examples left people confused and frustrated:
- A few Congress-affiliated accounts appeared to be managed from Ireland and the United States.
- Several anti-BJP handles displayed South Asia instead of India.
- A handful of controversial accounts showed Pakistan as their base, fueling public outrage.
These revelations deepened the social media debate; with many wondering how many voices online are genuinely Indian and how many might not be.
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X Responds: “Accurate… but Not Always Perfect”
Amid the chaos, X’s head of product stepped in, stating the displayed information is “99% accurate.”
However, X has also added a disclaimer noting that:
- Locations might not always be precise
- VPNs can affect region detection
- Travel or temporary movement may change the displayed tag
This only added more layers to a conversation already burning hot.
Political Tension Reaches New Heights
BJP leaders expressed worry that foreign-operated accounts may be shaping narratives about India.
Their concern is not new, they often raise alarms about misinformation campaigns during sensitive moments like protests or elections.
Opposition supporters, on the other hand, argue that the feature might be glitchy, and such accusations are politically motivated. As both sides clash online, the debate shows no signs of slowing.
A Bigger Question: Who Shapes Online Opinion?
One thing has become clear: This controversy is not just about a feature, it’s about trust. In an age where social media influences minds, emotions, and even elections, people want to know:
- Who is speaking to them?
- Where are these voices coming from?
- And are online opinions truly organic or strategically placed?
The X update has cracked open a conversation that India may continue to revisit for a long time.
Disclaimer:
This article is written solely based on publicly available information. It does not include independent verification of the claims made by any party. Readers are advised to interpret the information responsibly and consider multiple sources for a complete understanding of the issue.
Pronita Devi, an M.A. in Political Science, has spent over a decade in electronic and digital media. She regularly contributes insightful articles on geopolitics and current affairs, bringing clarity and depth to complex global issues.