In a significant change to its privacy settings, social media giant X, formerly known as Twitter, is updating how its block feature operates. According to this new update, users who have been blocked will still be able to view posts made by the person who blocked them, but they will not be able to interact with or engage with those posts in any way. This shift marks a departure from the previous system where blocked users were entirely restricted from seeing the profiles and posts of the person who blocked them.
Under the current system, blocked users attempting to view a profile receive a message that reads: “You’re blocked”, preventing them from seeing posts, replies, or other details like followers and interactions. However, with the upcoming change, blocked users will now be able to see posts but remain restricted from liking, commenting, retweeting, or sharing the content.
Explaining the reasoning behind this change, X’s owner, Elon Musk, commented on a user’s post, saying: "High time this happened... The block feature will prevent that account from engaging with public posts, but will not prevent them from seeing public posts." Musk's statement reflects his long-standing opinion on the block feature, which he has publicly criticized on several occasions. In fact, Musk has previously stated that he aims to "deprecate" the block button in favor of a stronger and more effective mute function.
Elon Musk's disdain for the block button is not a new development. Last year, he raised eyebrows by declaring that the block feature needed to be removed, stating that it should only remain available for direct messages (DMs). He has consistently advocated for the enhancement of the mute button, arguing that it could be a better tool for users seeking to manage unwanted interactions. Despite these statements, the block feature remains active, though its functionality will now be diminished.
As it stands, users can still block individuals they prefer not to engage with. However, the new update means that even though a blocked user cannot interact, they can still view all public posts made by the person who blocked them. This development has sparked debate, as it gives blocked users more visibility while maintaining limited interaction.
Musk’s public opposition to the block button has led many to speculate about his motivations. While the block feature is common across social media platforms and is generally considered a privacy and safety tool, some reports suggest that weakening the block button on X may have ulterior motives.
One theory is that it could be an attempt to prevent users from bypassing ads and sponsored content by blocking accounts associated with advertising. Another possibility is that the change reflects Musk’s broader goal of turning X into a more open platform, where engagement, even if passive, remains high.
However, there’s also speculation that Musk's stance on the block feature could be more personal. Some believe that, as a high-profile figure often subjected to criticism and trolling, Musk may prefer to mute rather than block users, allowing him to avoid direct engagement while still monitoring what is being said.
While the block button will remain in place for now, its functionality is clearly evolving. With the upcoming update, users will still be able to block others but will no longer prevent those blocked individuals from seeing their public posts. This update also raises questions about how X plans to manage user safety and harassment prevention moving forward, given that blocking has long been a tool used by individuals to protect themselves from unwanted attention or harassment.
As Musk continues to reshape X, it’s likely that we will see further changes to the platform’s privacy and engagement tools in the coming months. For now, the weakened block feature is set to alter how users interact – or don’t interact – with each other on the platform.
The latest update on X’s block feature is a significant shift in how privacy and user interaction are managed on the platform. While blocked users will now be able to see public posts, they remain restricted from engaging with them. Elon Musk’s vision of evolving the block feature into something more akin to a stronger mute function has been met with mixed reactions.
On the one hand, it allows for greater transparency on public posts, while on the other, it may raise privacy concerns for those who rely on blocking as a protective measure. As Musk continues to innovate and transform X, users will need to stay tuned for further developments in how the platform manages engagement and user safety.