Elon Musk's X will let blocked users see your posts, sparking debate on safety and transparency

[Innovabble]

 

Elon Musk's takeover of Twitter, now rebranded as X, has ushered in an era of constant transformation. From the platform's rebranding to its migration to the new domain X.com, Musk's leadership has been marked by a bold willingness to reshape the social media giant. The latest change stirring controversy is a significant update to the platform's blocking feature.

 

Traditionally, blocking someone on X meant they couldn’t see your posts or interact with you. A “You’re blocked” message would greet anyone attempting to view a profile they were banned from. This included being unable to access replies, media, followers, or the following lists of the person who initiated the block. The current system allows users to maintain boundaries on their accounts. However, this might soon change.

Under Musk’s vision, blocked users would still be able to view public posts from the account that blocked them, though interaction restrictions would remain. Musk has long been critical of the block feature, labeling it as a concept that “makes no sense.” He sees this shift as part of his broader plan to make X a digital “town square,” where every voice can be heard—even if certain interactions are limited. Additionally, it was pointed out that people can already bypass blocks by viewing posts using another account, making the current block system less effective than intended.

Public reaction to this update has been divided. Some users applaud the change, arguing that increased visibility could foster more transparency and open dialogue. These supporters believe it could lead to more genuine discussions on the platform. On the other hand, many critics are raising alarms over user safety, particularly for those who have dealt with harassment or stalking. Detractors argue that the change could undermine protections for vulnerable users, making it more difficult to shield themselves from unwanted attention or threats.

As X continues to evolve under Musk’s leadership, the debate over balancing free speech with user safety intensifies. Will these changes make the platform more transparent, or do they create a heightened risk for harassment? With Musk’s bold vision driving X forward, how do you feel about the direction the platform is heading?

 

• https://gamerant.com/twitter-x-removing-block-button-public-accounts/
• https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/23/24252438/x-blocked-users-view-public-posts
• https://www.ign.com/articles/xtwitter-is-making-more-changes-to-the-block-button-making-posts-from-public-accounts-visible-to-everyone

 

Image: Olena Churilova | Dreamstime.com