X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, will now make posts visible to accounts that users have blocked.
X plans to update the block button functionality to allow blocked accounts to still view users’ public posts on the social media platform.
As reported by TechCrunch, the change in X’s blocking policy was first spotted on Monday by Nima Owji, an independent app researcher and web developer.
X owner Elon Musk later confirmed that the social media platform would allow people who users had blocked to see their posts in reply to Ouji’s posts.
However, Musk pointed out that while blocked accounts can still see users’ posts on X, they cannot engage or interact with the people who blocked them.
“It’s about time this happened,” Musk wrote on X. “The block feature blocks an account from participating in public posts, but does not block them from viewing them.”
It’s about time this happened.
The block feature blocks the account from participating in public posts, but does not block them from viewing public posts.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 23, 2024
Currently, in X, when a user tries to view the profile of someone who has blocked them, they will see the message “You’re blocked.” In addition to blocking all posts, they will also not be able to see replies, media, followers, or following lists.
However, by logging out of their account, X-Users may be able to circumvent the blocking feature and view the public posts of the individual who blocked them.
Musk has previously criticized X’s block feature, calling it “pointless.” Last August, he even threatened to remove the block button altogether, saying it would be “removed as a ‘feature’ except for DMs.”
However, as The Verge points out, X’s new blocking policy could have some negative effects in terms of online harassment: The block button has previously been an effective tool to stop trolls and harassers from harassing individuals online.
So while the X block button still stops someone from responding to other people’s posts, blocked users can still see their posts, increasing the likelihood that bad actors will continue to harass their victims.
On Instagram, when a user blocks someone from the Instagram app, it blocks that user’s account, any other existing accounts they own, or any new accounts they may create, with the aim of protecting users from online abuse.
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