What you need to know
X is improving its blocking feature, allowing blocked users to still view public content. The update aims to fix a loophole that allowed users to circumvent the block by using a different account and continue to view and interact with content. Blocked users can’t be engaged, but they can still lurk, which has many worried about potential harassment.
X (formerly Twitter) is overhauling how blocking works, with Elon Musk confirming that if you block someone, all of their public content will still be viewable, which could completely change how privacy and interaction works on the platform.
Independent app researcher Nima Ouji first revealed the news about X/Twitter’s upcoming blocking update, and Musk later confirmed the news, saying it was long overdue.
It’s about time this happened. The block feature blocks an account from participating in public posts, but doesn’t block them from viewing them.September 23, 2024
An X insider told The Verge that the upcoming update to the blocking feature is aimed at closing a loophole that allowed users to circumvent a block by switching to a different account. The flaw allowed users to continue viewing and interacting with content from a blocked account.
The news of X’s changes to its blocking feature has generated a lot of discussion and speculation. While some believe it’s a move to ensure that everyone can still see ads, others worry that it could make it more difficult to address harassment on the platform.
With all due respect, I think this is a bad idea. There are many reasons why you might not want certain individuals to easily see your public posts, and unfortunately, there are some really bad actors on social media.September 23, 2024
That’s because while a blocked user on the platform can’t respond to their posts, they can still secretly view them. Unsurprisingly, people aren’t happy about this move, and are already saying it will only make it easier to harass people.
For now, X hasn’t completely phased out the blocking feature, but it continues to make changes to how it works. In May, the company clarified that if someone you blocked replies to your post, their reply will still be visible. X said the change was necessary to align blocking with its goal of being an open platform.
Musk has made no secret of his dislike for the blocking feature: Last year, he tweeted that blocking was “pointless” and suggested muting instead, and in August, he even suggested that the feature itself might be phased out.
X is playing it safe by backing away from a previous promise to remove the blocking feature entirely and instead allowing engagement limits. The change is intended to reduce the stalking and harassment that would have exploded if they removed the blocking feature entirely.