“About this account”: X adds profile transparency with country, username history and source info

X is rolling out a new “About this account” feature that gives users more context about profiles. The panel can show an account’s country or region, the country where the account was created, how many times the username has changed and whether the account posts from the web or a specific app store. The company says this is part of an effort to improve transparency and verify authenticity.

The feature has been in tests and screenshots have recently surfaced as the rollout picks up. Some notable details and options include:

• Location info: Profiles may display the account’s country by default, with an option to show a broader region or continent. Users can toggle what they show via privacy controls.
• Account origin: The country where the account was created will be shown, offering historical context about the profile.
• Username history: View how many times an account has changed its handle — useful for spotting frequent rebrands.
• Client/source indicator: Information about whether the account is primarily connected via web or a particular app store will be available.
• VPN disclaimer: Accounts accessed via VPN may display a note such as “Country or region may not be accurate.”
• Privacy toggles: X says users will be able to manage visibility for some items; profiles will highlight if a person opts into privacy settings.

These additions echo similar transparency features on other platforms (Facebook Page transparency, Instagram’s “About this account”) and are intended to help users assess the credibility of accounts and content. While the new panel can add helpful context, its accuracy depends on honest data and how people configure their privacy settings.

If you want to check your own info today, X already shows some details when you click the “Joined” date under your bio — but full visibility of others’ “About this account” info appears to be rolling out gradually.

For more on the rollout and product details, see commentary from X’s product team and early screenshots shared by users (opens in a new tab): Engadget coverage.

Discussion: Do you think showing account origin and username history will help spot inauthentic profiles, or could it create new privacy concerns? Share your thoughts below.