In January 2026, the platform known as X, formerly Twitter, open-sourced its algorithm again after a previous attempt in 2023. Elon Musk, who acquired Twitter in 2022, has emphasized transparency as a key goal. However, the initial code release was criticized for lacking depth and being more of a show than a genuine disclosure. This latest release includes a detailed write-up and a diagram explaining how the algorithm generates user feeds. It analyzes user engagement history and recent posts while conducting machine-learning assessments of content from accounts the user doesn’t follow. It also filters out posts from blocked accounts and those deemed inappropriate. X claims that its algorithm operates entirely on an AI system called Grok, which processes user interactions to inform recommendations. The company states that there’s no manual adjustment to how content relevance is determined. This automation is said to simplify their data handling processes. Despite Musk's promises of transparency, the platform's history raises questions. After transitioning from a public to a private entity, X has released fewer transparency reports and faced scrutiny for not meeting obligations under the Digital Services Act, resulting in a $140 million fine from EU regulators. Additionally, X has come under fire for the misuse of its chatbot, Grok, in creating inappropriate content. Recent investigations by the California Attorney General and congressional lawmakers highlight concerns about the platform's role in generating explicit images. This backdrop complicates the narrative of openness that Musk promotes, leading some to view this latest code release as another instance of "transparency theater."