In a move that’s stirring debate among social media users, X (formerly Twitter) is set to implement significant changes to its blocking feature. According to changes to X’s website spotted by independent app researcher, Nima Owji, confirmed by X owner Elon Musk on September 23, 2024, will allow blocked accounts to view public posts of users who have blocked them but won’t be able to comment or like, potentially weakening a tool many rely on for online safety.
“The block function will block that account from engaging with, but not block seeing, [a] public post,” said Musk in a tweet on Monday.
The impending update means that users may no longer see the familiar “You’re blocked…” message when visiting the profile of an account that has blocked them. Instead, blocked users will be able to view public posts as if they were any other user, albeit with restrictions on interactions such as reposting, quoting, or replying.
This change has raised concerns among social media experts and users who rely on the block feature as a means of protection against harassment, abuse, or stalking. By softening these digital barriers, X’s new policy could potentially expose vulnerable users to unwanted attention.
This isn’t the first time the platform has attempted to modify its blocking feature. In 2013, when X was still known as Twitter, a similar change was implemented but swiftly reversed due to user backlash. At that time, Twitter had updated its policy to allow blocked users to see content, follow, and even engage with those who had blocked them, with the blocking account unable to see these interactions.
The current proposed changes don’t go as far as the 2013 attempt – engagements will still be prohibited under blocks, according to Musk. However, the similarities to the previous, failed attempt have not gone unnoticed by long-time users of the platform.
The announcement has sparked a debate about the balance between open communication and user safety on social media platforms. Advocates for online safety argue that robust blocking features are essential for protecting users from harassment and abuse. They fear that weakening these tools could make vulnerable users more susceptible to online harm.
On the other hand, proponents of the change argue that it promotes transparency and prevents the creation of echo chambers on the platform. They contend that public posts should remain public, regardless of individual user preferences.
