Twitter, now rebranded as X, is set to modify its block feature, making it impossible for users to prevent blocked individuals from viewing their public posts
This change means that while blocked users will still be unable to engage directly, they will still be able to view posts if the account is public.
The update was first revealed by web developer Nima Owji on Monday evening.
Owji tweeted, “X is about to remove the current block button, meaning that if an account is public, their posts will be visible to the blocked users as well!” Twitter CEO Elon Musk quickly confirmed the change, replying to Owji’s post: “High time this happened. The block function will block that account from engaging with, but not block seeing, public posts.”
BREAKING: X is about to remove the current block button, meaning that if an account is public, their posts will be visible to the blocked users as well!
— Nima Owji (@nima_owji) September 23, 2024
Although Twitter has yet to provide an official rationale for the change, some users speculated that the move could be a way for the platform to ensure that blocked users still see advertisements.
Others voiced concerns, arguing that the decision compromises the safety of individuals who have faced stalking or targeted harassment, potentially exposing them to further risk.
In response to the concerns, Owji tweeted, “Good move! The block button for public accounts was a stupid feature since everyone could view the posts from their browsers’ incognito mode.”
Musk has long been an outspoken critic of the block function, previously stating that the feature “makes no sense” and should be replaced with a stronger form of muting.
He has also previously suggested eliminating the block function entirely, with the exception of blocking direct messages. Despite his efforts, none of these changes have yet been successfully implemented.
Earlier this year, in May, Twitter introduced a change allowing users to see replies from individuals they had blocked if those blocked users responded to their posts. The company explained the decision as part of its commitment to “aligning the block feature with our principles as a public town square.”
In August, Twitter made headlines in Brazil after the platform was banned for failing to comply with a court order to suspend accounts accused of spreading disinformation.
The social media giant was fined £625,000 for each day it remained accessible in the country, highlighting the company’s ongoing controversies surrounding content moderation and user safety.
