Tech Desk 
Sep 24, 2024
X recently announced new changes to the block feature on the platform. Now the users you blocked would no longer be able to view your posts and therefore would be even less likely to interact with your posts online.
What is block feature on X?
The block feature on X blocks users from seeing all your public posts. As a result, blocking someone on X prevented the blocked person from seeing your profile, posts, replies, media, followers, and the following list.
X’s owner Elon Musk has stated that such a function "makes no sense" and should be fixed. According to Musk, a block function should only block interaction but not visibility.
However, Musk claims that in situations where users are blocked, they can readily access such posts through another account or even while logged out.
The statement has been refuted because some users claim that they are not able to view profiles even upon logging out. For a change that is still unknown, it affects user safety substantially.
Read more: Telegram to share user data with authorities — A shift in privacy policy
This new development raises many concerns about harassment and user safety. Blocked users can now view other public posts, allowing potentially malicious behaviour.
How block feature on X would affect users
Currently blocked users may feel vulnerable due to the change. The new development also may lead to increased stalking cases, cyberbullying, and violation of privacy.
The change is termed as a concerning harassment, stalking, cyberbullying, loss of control over content, and violation of privacy, and it causes emotional distress for many users of X.
Elon Musk has not talked about this backlash yet but declared himself a strong advocate for free speech and openness, which attracted controversy in the form of questioning from the users whether free speech or user safety is prioritised in this change.
If concerned about the new X's block function, you can take a look at your privacy settings to change them; opt for mute instead of block; report harassment; limit public posts; and check your followers list.
You can also make sure that no one controls your content by using private accounts on X, limiting post visibility, blocking specific keywords, or reporting suspicious activity.
