X’s new location feature unmasks Algeria junta plots against Morocco

A new feature on Elon Musk’s X is exposing the truth behind social media accounts across the political spectrum, with Algerian account owners apparently misleading Moroccan followers about where they are posting from.

The new feature allows all X users to see where a given account is based, usually listing a country or region. Many accounts including that of “Gen-Z212” posing as Moroccan have been exposed as fraudster accounts operating from Algeria and their allies, engaged in orchestrated disinformation campaigns targeting the North African Kingdom.

The false X accounts are operated by some 500 Algerian military intelligence agents assigned to disseminate fake news against Moroccan institutions and interests, according to press reports.

The online Algerian fraudsters rile up other internet users. They bully and attack supporters of Morocco’s political, economic, social and sporting achievements.

Experts say the new feature should help X users sift out misinformation from their feeds. When they read a content on X, they should be able to verify its authenticity.

X representatives have said its new feature could be partially spoofed by using a VPN to mask a user’s true location. In such cases where a VPN was detected, X added a warning next to the listed location.

In brief, one should be aware not everything posted on X accounts is real or true.