Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, has rolled out a controversial change to its block function, sparking privacy and safety concerns among users and experts alike. This update now allows blocked users to see posts from the accounts that have blocked them. However, they cannot interact with those accounts through likes, comments, or messages.
This shift marks a major departure from how the block feature traditionally functioned on X. Previously, it primarily restricted and blocked users from viewing any posts from accounts that chose to block them. The new policy, first announced in September, has been implemented and is stirring debate on its potential impacts.
How the new block function works
Under this revised block system, users who have been blocked can now view posts from accounts that chose to block them. For example, a user blocked by a public figure or a well-known account can still see that account’s posts, though they remain unable to engage directly. X displays a message below such posts, informing the blocked viewer, “You can view public posts from this account, but you are blocked from engaging with them. You also cannot follow or message this account.” Before this update, blocked users were shown a generic “You’re blocked” message and were restricted from viewing any content from the blocking account.
This is a dangerous decision for a social media platform, and will have serious implications for victims – especially those being stalked – and their safety. Enabling blocked users to see posts is catering to abusers and stalkers, indulging and facilitating their behaviours pic.twitter.com/bxcPhJYXnx
— Victims’ Commissioner London (@LDNVictimsComm) October 17, 2024
X justifies this change by stating that it reflects what users can already do by switching to a different account that hasn’t been blocked. Additionally, X claims that the previous blocking version could be misused to share and conceal sensitive information about users. The company describes the update as a step towards “greater transparency” on the platform, though all have not received this transparency.
Backlash from experts and users
The response to X’s update has been critical, particularly from experts focusing on social media safety and abuse. Many argue that the change caters to stalkers and trolls, undermining the security of users who rely on the block feature to protect themselves from online harassment.
Claire Waxman, London’s Victims’ Commissioner, was outspoken in her criticism, calling the update a “dangerous decision” that may put vulnerable individuals at risk. Waxman voiced her concerns on social media, writing, “Enabling blocked users to see posts is catering to abusers and stalkers, indulging and facilitating their behaviours.” Numerous users have echoed this sentiment, who feel that the platform’s new approach to blocking could make it more challenging to maintain a safe online space.
Confirmed: Yes, Apple and Google require social media apps to have a block feature:
— scott budman (@scottbudman) August 18, 2023
From Apple App Store guidelines:
"The ability to block abusive users from the service."
So, X/Twitter should not be able to remove the block feature.
In addition to these safety concerns, some users are pointing out that X’s new block function may conflict with guidelines set by major app stores. Apple’s App Store, for example, mandates that apps with user-generated content must provide users the ability to “block abusive users from the service.” Although X has retained the blocking feature in a limited form, it remains uncertain whether Apple or Google will take action in response to the platform’s adjusted approach to blocking.
Users migrate to alternative platforms
As X continues to make changes that many users find troubling, some are turning to alternative social media platforms. Platforms like BlueSky and Threads have gained popularity as users seek safer, more privacy-conscious spaces for social media interactions. Threads, the text-based app developed by Instagram’s parent company Meta, reported today that it has reached 275 million monthly active users, a milestone that reflects an increase of 75 million users over the past three months alone.
For many users, the appeal of platforms like Threads and BlueSky lies in their commitment to offering stronger user controls and maintaining more traditional approaches to features like blocking. As X progresses with its updated block function, it may lose users who prioritise privacy and safety in their social media experiences.
This latest update is part of Elon Musk’s ongoing efforts to reshape X into a platform with fewer restrictions and more open sharing. However, whether the new blocking policy will achieve Musk’s vision of transparency remains in question, especially as experts and users continue to voice concerns over the potential risks to personal safety.
