On 22 November, social media platform X rolled out a major update widely regarded as one of its most significant transparency measures since Elon Musk’s takeover. The platform introduced a feature that attaches a country label to user accounts, based on device location and the app store through which the account is registered.
The tool, titled “About This Account,” allows users to view key information, including the account’s creation date, basic activity details, and a general indication of the operator’s location. This information becomes visible when users tap the “Joined” date on any profile. According to X, the update aims to increase transparency and curb misinformation. For example, if a device or app store is based in India, the account will display “India” as its country of origin. However, the platform notes that the location may not always be accurate if VPNs or proxies have been used.
India-Linked Activity Detected Behind Baloch Separatist Accounts
Shortly after the update’s rollout, several accounts promoting Baloch separatist narratives appeared to display India-linked activity. Among them is Mir Yar Baloch (Mazdak Dilshad Baloch), a prominent figure associated with separatist messaging on social media, operating a major handle under his own name.
Mazdak, based in Canada, has frequently appeared on Indian media platforms promoting narratives critical of Pakistan. He has previously visited India and publicly praised Indian political leadership for comments regarding Balochistan. His messaging is amplified by Indian-linked media and online networks known for circulating separatist hashtags and misinformation.
Mazdak has also been appointed to the Balochistan desk of the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), an organization known for selective translations of Arabic, Persian, and Turkish media.
Other separatist-aligned accounts, including Balochistan Post and Bahot Baloch, briefly showed India as their “connected via” region before switching to VPNs after the update exposed their apparent location.
MEMRI and Broader Influence Networks
Mazdak’s digital presence gained further attention after MEMRI announced its Balochistan Studies Project (BSP) on 12 June. MEMRI, founded in 1998, has faced scrutiny for its selective translations of regional media. Its founder, Colonel Yigal Carmon, served over 20 years in Israeli military intelligence, and the organization has reportedly engaged in “unofficial” intelligence-gathering activities since at least 2012.
Independent watchdogs, including the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) and EU DisinfoLab, have documented extensive cross-border influence campaigns targeting Pakistan. Their research highlights coordinated networks of fake websites, NGOs, and social-media accounts designed to shape global narratives in India’s favor.
Journalist CJ Werleman has noted that roughly 90% of online disinformation originates from India, often driven by government-linked cyber units. Similarly, India-based fact-checking platform BOOM reported that platforms controlled by Hindu nationalist groups and Modi supporters are major sources of pro-Israel, anti-Ukraine, and anti-Pakistan content online. Another study cited by BOOM found that India produces 76% of online anti-Islam hate content.
Transparency With Limitations
X’s new location tagging system aims to help users identify suspicious accounts. However, experts note that region labels can be broad, for example, displaying “Asia,” which may allow some operators to obscure their precise location. The platform itself has acknowledged that location data may not always be accurate, particularly for accounts that use VPNs or proxies.
Despite these limitations, the update has already triggered changes in user behavior. Several accounts pushing Baloch separatist narratives have switched to VPNs following the feature’s exposure of their initial location tags.
X’s “About This Account” feature marks a major step toward transparency on the platform, revealing the geographical footprint of accounts spreading disinformation. The early fallout highlights both the scale of India-linked activity behind Baloch separatist messaging and the ongoing challenges in combating cross-border influence operations. While the system is not foolproof, it provides users with an additional tool to scrutinize the authenticity and origin of online accounts, underscoring the need for continued vigilance against disinformation campaigns.
