X (formerly Twitter) has introduced a controversial change to its block function.
According to X’s owner, Elon Musk, the block feature will no longer hide your posts from users you’ve blocked. Musk clarified on Monday that blocking someone will prevent them from interacting with your content but won’t stop them from viewing your public posts.
Currently, X displays a “You’re blocked” message to anyone who tries to view a profile that has blocked them. This also restricts access to replies, media, followers, and following lists. However, X plans to lift these restrictions.
A source at X told The Verge that this change is being made because users who are blocked can still see posts by logging out or using another account. Interestingly, some at The Verge have noted that logging out doesn’t always allow you to view a blocked account’s profile, raising questions about the consistency of this policy.
In a recent tweet, Musk reiterated his position, saying, “The block function will block that account from engaging with, but not block seeing, public posts.” Musk has previously expressed frustration with the block feature, suggesting it should be replaced with a more robust mute option. Last year, he even floated the idea of eliminating the block function entirely, except for direct messaging.
While the block feature will still prevent engagement, the fact that blocked users can now view posts may lead to concerns about online harassment, as it could allow bad actors to continue monitoring and targeting their victims.
