In a surprising move, X (formerly known as Twitter) has implemented a controversial change that allows blocked users to view your public posts. This update, announced by X’s owner Elon Musk, has sparked debates regarding user privacy and harassment prevention. Here’s everything you need to know about this latest development.
What is Changing on X?
Blocked users on X can now see the public posts of the people who have blocked them. While they remain unable to interact with or engage in any form of communication with the blocker, the ability to view public posts is now available. Musk confirmed this change via a reply on Monday, clarifying that the block function only restricts interaction, not visibility.
What Happens When You Block Someone on X Now?
Previously, if you blocked someone on X, they could not see your posts, replies, media, or even your profile. Blocked users were met with a “You’re blocked” message, denying access to all your content.
However, with the new change, blocked users will be able to access your public posts. The block still prevents any engagement, but the viewership rights have been altered. This new policy has created concerns among users who relied on the block feature to maintain a sense of security and privacy.
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Why is X Making This Change?
According to a source from X, the platform’s rationale behind this change is to address loopholes where blocked users could still see posts by using another account or accessing content while logged out. Despite this claim, several users, including journalists from The Verge, have noticed that X blocks access to profiles even when logged out, raising questions about the consistency of this policy.
Elon Musk’s View on Blocking
Elon Musk has been openly critical of the block function for some time. He previously referred to it as a feature that “makes no sense” and proposed replacing it with a more robust mute option. Musk has also expressed an interest in removing the block feature altogether, except in the case of direct messages.
This recent change seems to be a step in that direction, as it minimizes the power of the block function while still maintaining it as a tool for interaction control.
Potential Risks and Concerns for Users
While X assures that the block function will continue to prevent interaction, allowing blocked users to see your public posts could lead to serious concerns. Many users have pointed out that this update could make it easier for harassers or bad actors to keep track of their victims, potentially enabling continued harassment or unwanted monitoring.
For users who use the block button as a safety measure, this change could undermine the sense of control and protection they once had. As the block now serves as more of a barrier to interaction rather than a full blockade, privacy concerns are growing.
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How Will This Affect Your Use of X?
As a user, you now need to be more aware of the content you post publicly, knowing that even blocked users can still view it. If privacy is a concern, you may want to consider making your account private or utilizing more robust security settings.
For those hoping for a more secure experience, Musk’s vision of deprecating the block button may not align with the protective measures they expect from social platforms. The shift from blocking to interaction restriction reflects X’s evolving stance on user freedom and control, but it also raises valid worries about safety.
Conclusion
The update to X’s block function represents a significant shift in how users can manage their interactions and visibility on the platform. While the ability to block still exists, it now comes with limitations that users must navigate carefully. As X continues to evolve under Musk’s ownership, these types of changes could redefine how the platform balances freedom of speech with user privacy and protection.
