X expands transparency tool to reveal government-requested post limits
X is extending its 'Under the Hood' transparency feature to show when accounts or posts have been downranked or withheld due to local laws, including the specific country making the request. Users who have posted at least ten times in a month can download a JSON file with these details. This update follows X's earlier efforts to open-source parts of its algorithm and codebase.
The update builds directly on X's August rollout of its "Under the Hood" tool, which was the first time the platform offered account-level visibility into moderation actions. The feature is accessed through the app's settings and requires users to have posted at least ten times in the preceding month to download the data file. The JSON format is standard, and X suggests non-technical users can paste the file into an AI chatbot for a plain-language explanation.
This move is part of a broader transparency push at the company. X previously open-sourced its "For You" algorithm and expanded its codebase releases to include model configuration and ranking parameters. The company's vice president of product noted that the level of detail being shared might surprise people, signaling a deliberate shift toward more external scrutiny of its systems.
This tool could shift the public's understanding of shadowbanning, moving the conversation from speculation to verifiable data. Users may now see concrete evidence of government influence on their content, which could empower journalists and activists in countries with restrictive laws. However, the impact depends on user engagement, as the feature requires proactive downloading and interpretation. It may also pressure other platforms to offer similar account-level transparency, though the practical effect on free expression remains uncertain.