X appears to be preparing a public notice that would reveal when an account’s location might be influenced by the use of a VPN or proxy. This signals a new era of transparency but also raises renewed privacy concerns. Code strings discovered within the app suggest the inclusion of a profile disclaimer to alert viewers that country or region tags may not reflect a user’s actual physical location.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by the company to reduce trolling and sockpuppetry by adding more context to the “About This Account” section. However, it also risks unfairly stigmatizing privacy tools—such as those relied upon by journalists, activists, and everyday users for safety and security—by association.
What the App Code Reveals About VPN Notices
Developers examining recent X builds found text indicating that a third-party partner might trigger notifications alerting users when an account connection is routed through a proxy like a VPN. One message suggests displaying a disclaimer to the public, such as “Country or region may not be accurate,” implying that the location tag is an estimate and could be affected by routing.
Previously, X’s head of product Mikita Bier noted that the company is “playing with country by account” alongside other signals. He mentioned privacy toggles would be available but acknowledged that changes could still be visible for some time after users adjust their settings. This approach could expose users who try to limit their location visibility.
Why X Wants Location Labels on Profiles
Social platforms have long relied on authenticity markers to combat coordinated harassment and misinformation. For example, Instagram introduced “About This Account” features years ago, highlighting profile creation dates and location signals for prominent accounts. X’s version aims to make it harder for repeat offenders to hide behind temporary identities while providing audiences with clearer context about who they are engaging with.
Given X’s hundreds of millions of monthly users, even modest improvements in trust and safety tools could have a significant impact. However, displaying locations is a blunt instrument that may deter bad actors but also risks exposing users with legitimate reasons to conceal their whereabouts.
Privacy Risks and Potential Pitfalls of VPN Labeling
Security experts warn that prominently flagging VPN use could be misused. Leaders from major VPN providers caution that marking users as “suspicious” for employing privacy tools might endanger vulnerable groups by exposing them to harassment or surveillance. Digital rights advocates echo these concerns, emphasizing that network routes are a poor proxy for identity or intent.
Compliance complexities also arise. If an app infers jurisdiction based on app store region, IP address, or other indirect data—especially for users who travel frequently or use corporate VPNs or mobile carrier networks—they risk being misclassified. This misclassification can lead to incorrect content restrictions, age-gating issues, or limits on profile visibility that do not align with the user’s actual legal environment.
How VPN Usage Is Usually Detected
Most platforms rely on IP intelligence databases to identify proxy use, restricting access from known data centers, public proxies, and exit nodes. Vendors like MaxMind and IP2Location assign scores indicating whether an IP is residential, mobile, or hosted and whether it has proxy-related history.
This method works well for detecting automated spam and trolling but often produces false positives. Shared Wi-Fi networks, corporate VPN tunnels, and hotel internet can all appear proxy-like. To avoid mistakes, trust and safety teams usually consider multiple signals—such as device fingerprints, user behavior, and verification checks—before labeling or taking action.
What Users Should Do to Protect Their Privacy
When new location options are introduced, review X’s privacy settings carefully. If toggles allow you to show or hide country or account-level metadata, understand which data becomes public.
Consider separating sensitive activity onto a different account from your personal one. Avoid using corporate VPNs or accessing sensitive posts on accounts that might be misinterpreted.
Remember that a “country may not be accurate” warning can stem from legitimate privacy practices. If you rely on VPNs for security, anticipate how this visible signal might affect interactions, particularly in hostile discussions or competitive environments where adversaries seek reasons to discredit or expose you.
The Bigger Picture: Balancing Transparency and Safety
VPN use is widespread, with 25-30% of internet users reportedly employing VPNs monthly for privacy, security on public Wi-Fi, and safe content access, according to GWI research. In countries with limited press freedom, VPNs are essential security tools, not suspicious signs.
If X proceeds with this feature, the details will matter. Clear definitions, minimizing false positives, and ensuring privacy tools are not penalized will determine if the feature enhances platform integrity without chilling free expression. Transparency should empower users—not inadvertently expose those who need protection most.
