X Location Feature: The launch of X’s new location feature has sparked a political controversy in India, with BJP alleging that numerous pro-Congress accounts are being operated from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other foreign countries.
What Is the New X Feature About?
The new feature shows an account’s location, username changes, and app download info to improve transparency. However, VPNs, proxies, or relocations can make accounts appear based abroad, so the data may not always be fully accurate.
BJP’s Strong Reaction
The BJP has accused several accounts of being operated by foreigners. According to party leaders, a large number of pro-Congress accounts are not actually in India but are run from Pakistan and Bangladesh. The party has also highlighted that many of these accounts have changed their usernames multiple times, suggesting an attempt to mask their true identity. BJP argues this is part of a coordinated operation aimed at influencing political discourse in India and spreading divisive messages.
High-profile accounts flagged as foreign-based, including Diya Sharma and Yashita Nagpal, are being cited as examples of this alleged activity. BJP claims these handles could be part of a broader effort to influence Indian politics from across the border.
The party is demanding stricter regulation of social media platforms and accountability for politically active accounts. They insist that platforms ensure authentic participation in India’s political discussions.
Broader Implications
Analysis indicates that some accounts active in major political conversations, including protests and communal debates, appear to be based abroad while claiming to be Indian. This raises questions about the authenticity of online political support. While the data highlights potential foreign influence, it also has limitations. VPNs, proxies, and travel can misrepresent account locations, which makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions.
Why This Controversy Matters
This issue is significant for several reasons:
- Political Credibility: It raises questions about how much of online political support is genuine versus influenced by external factors.
- Digital Propaganda Risks: The controversy highlights the risk of coordinated cross-border manipulation on social media.
- Regulation Push: It may lead to increased calls for transparency and stricter oversight of political accounts.
- Public Trust: The feature helps users identify suspicious accounts but also introduces concerns about mislabeling and accuracy.
