X Prepares to Remove Block Functionality
It seems like X is on the verge of eliminating the block feature after a year of contemplation. The platform’s owner, Elon Musk, discovered that he was one of the most blocked individuals on the app, sparking this potential change.
Musk has frequently highlighted the issue of “giant block lists” causing problems on the platform. He believes that blocking is ineffective since people can easily log in with a different account to view posts anyway.
X’s latest explanation signals a shift in how the block function will operate. Accounts that have been blocked will still be able to view public posts but won’t be able to engage with them.
Soon we’ll be launching a change to how the block function works.
If your posts are set to public, accounts you have blocked will be able to view them, but they will not be able to engage (like, reply, repost, etc.).
— Engineering (@XEng) October 16, 2024
X is also notifying users about this update through a pop-up message, indicating the forthcoming changes to blocking functionality.
This alteration means that if you block someone, they can still see your updates but won’t be able to interact with them. X clarified that this change aims to improve transparency and prevent the sharing of harmful or private information about blocked individuals.
While X’s approach has some merit, it overlooks the crucial role blocking plays in safeguarding users from harassment and abuse. By removing the block feature, X risks exposing users to unwanted interactions and diminishing the platform’s safety measures.
The decision to eliminate blocking may have ramifications on user privacy and content exposure. By disregarding block lists, X could potentially grant more visibility to contentious individuals, including Elon Musk, who seeks broader engagement with his posts.
Despite opposing views on blocking, X seems determined to proceed with this change. It will be interesting to see how users and regulators respond to this shift in policy.
As X prepares to implement these alterations, users should be aware that individuals previously blocked may regain access to their posts in the near future.