X begins rolling out the ‘About this account’ feature to users’ profiles

X’s New ‘About This Account’ Feature: What Users Need to Know

X, formerly known as Twitter, is rolling out a new “About This Account” feature to all users, providing greater transparency into account history and verification status. This move, aimed at combating misinformation and increasing user trust, displays key information like the account’s creation date, when it last changed its display name, and whether it’s affiliated with a government or political entity. The rollout began on November 21, 2025, and represents a significant step in Elon Musk’s ongoing efforts to reshape the platform. Understanding this feature is crucial for all X users, as it empowers them to make informed judgments about the accounts they interact with.

Understanding the Details of the ‘About This Account’ Feature

The “About This Account” feature is accessible via a dropdown menu on each profile page. Clicking on it reveals a panel with several key details. The most prominent is the account’s creation date – a simple yet powerful indicator of an account’s longevity. This is particularly useful in identifying potential bot accounts or those created specifically to spread disinformation, as these often have very recent creation dates. X also displays the date the account last changed its display name, helping users spot accounts attempting to impersonate others.

Perhaps the most important aspect of the feature is the labeling of accounts affiliated with government entities or political figures. These accounts will now be clearly identified, allowing users to understand potential biases or agendas. X is utilizing existing verification systems, including those related to government and multilateral organizations, to populate this information. However, the platform acknowledges that identifying all such affiliations is an ongoing process. The feature also details whether an account is part of the X Premium (formerly Twitter Blue) subscription service, and when the account achieved verified status. This provides clarity around the legitimacy of the blue checkmark, a point of contention since the platform’s acquisition. This increased transparency is a direct response to concerns about the spread of misinformation and the manipulation of public opinion on the platform. For example, users can now quickly determine if an account claiming to be a news source is relatively new and lacks a long-standing presence on X.

Why This Matters for X Users and the Future of the Platform

The introduction of “About This Account” isn’t just a cosmetic change; it’s a fundamental shift in how X approaches trust and safety. In the past, identifying malicious actors or accounts with misleading backgrounds was a significant challenge. This feature provides users with readily available tools to assess the credibility of an account before engaging with its content. This is especially important in the context of breaking news and political discourse, where misinformation can spread rapidly.

This move also aligns with broader industry trends towards greater platform accountability. Other social media companies are facing increasing pressure to address the spread of harmful content and to be more transparent about their algorithms and moderation policies. X’s initiative, while not a complete solution, demonstrates a commitment to improving the user experience and fostering a more informed online environment. The platform hopes that by empowering users with information, they will be better equipped to identify and report suspicious activity, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more trustworthy ecosystem. Furthermore, this feature could potentially influence how users interact with content, prioritizing accounts with established histories and clear affiliations. You can read more about platform accountability and its impact on social media at the Digital Freedom Initiative.

The Impact on Bots and Disinformation Campaigns

One crucial benefit of the “About This Account” feature is its potential to disrupt bot networks and disinformation campaigns. While it won’t eliminate them entirely, the visibility of creation dates and recent name changes makes it easier to identify accounts that exhibit typical bot-like behavior. Disinformation actors often rely on creating numerous fake accounts to amplify their messages and manipulate trends. The new feature adds a layer of friction to these operations, as users are more likely to be skeptical of accounts with short histories or suspicious activity.

X is also expected to leverage the data collected through this feature to improve its algorithms for detecting and removing bot accounts. By analyzing patterns in account creation and behavior, the platform can proactively identify and address malicious activity. The effectiveness of this approach will depend on X’s ability to continuously adapt its algorithms and to stay ahead of evolving tactics used by disinformation actors. However, the “About This Account” feature represents a significant step forward in the fight against online manipulation.