X Announces Implementation of Disputed Update to Impede Block Feature
Previously known as Twitter, platform X, has implemented a contentious adjustment to its block function. Now, when users opt to block someone else, the blocked individual can still access and view their profile and posts in the feed, but no longer have the ability to interact with them directly.
This modification has sparked a wave of intense opposition, with critics arguing that it will only serve to empower stalkers, abusive ex-partners, and other harmful individuals, allowing them to continue their targeting without any impediment. The blocked user could potentially misuse this new feature by screenshotting posts and inciting followers to attack the original author.
When X initially revealed the update back in October, it justified the change by asserting that some users would employ the block feature to share damaging information about their targets without the targeted individual being able to notice the harmful activity swiftly enough. "Currently, the block function serves as a means for users to share and conceal harmful or private information about those they've blocked. With this update, users will have the opportunity to monitor such behavior, thereby promoting greater transparency."
On Saturday, X confirmed that the rollout of the change is now underway, eliciting a chorus of discontent from users, the most common sentiment among them being, "Nobody asked for this."
It is worth mentioning that when a user is blocked on X, they can still access the blocked target's profile using another account, but the additional friction this change introduces might serve to exacerbate a harasser's toxic behavior towards their target by allowing them to continue observing their posts. The change disregards an individual's boundaries concerning who they wish to see their content.
Similarly, changes implemented by X in the past that initially faced backlash have since been embraced by users, such as its decision to conceal who has liked a post. This shift in policy has often made users feel more comfortable engaging with sensitive content without fear of judgment. Notable public figures have been caught in embarrassing situations due to their like history, like when it was unearthed that Senator Ted Cruz had liked a salacious clip from a Reality Kings video titled "Dick For Two." Ironically, X's justification for altering the block feature to display content in order to enhance transparency directly contradicts its decision to hide likes for the opposite reason.
Some have raised concerns that modifying the block feature in this manner may conflict with Apple and Google's guidelines for social media apps available in their respective marketplaces. For instance, Apple's guidelines stipulate that apps must include a feature to block abusive users from their service. While Apple has maintained a positive business relationship with X under Elon Musk's ownership, it has resumed advertising on the platform rapidly, for instance.
At this juncture, it remains unclear how extensively the modification will impact user experience. Competing platforms like Bluesky and Threads, for example, have gained significant traction since Musk's acquisition, with users attracted by changes in moderation they deem more toxic. Musk has increasingly posted inflammatory, right-wing content in the lead-up to the presidential election. A recent Fortune report revealed that his posts appear in users' feeds within two sessions, regardless of whether they actively seek out his account or not.
In response to X's announcement of the block change in October, Bluesky stated that its platform would preserve the original block feature. The startup has recently reported a user base exceeding 13 million, while Meta claimed in its latest earnings call that Threads has surpassed 275 million users.
This controversy surrounding X's modified block feature has led some to question if the future of tech platforms should prioritize user safety and consent over perceived transparency. Furthermore, the potential misuse of this feature by blocked users could exacerbate existing online harassment issues in the tech sphere.
