X (formerly known as Twitter) is reportedly working on a new feature that makes it impossible to block users on the platform. According to BBC, the company chief Elon Musk said blocking users “makes no sense,” and the feature will be removed.
Blocking users is a common way on social platforms to prevent users from reaching your content or stopping them from abusing you. However, X is now going in the opposite direction and wants to remove the blocking feature. Of course, you will still be able to block users from directly messaging you. But you can no longer stop them from interactions.
Some users now complain that removing the blocking feature makes removing abusive posts and users from the timeline harder. When you now block a user on the platform, his posts no longer appear on your timeline, and he cannot send you direct messages.
You can no longer block users on X (Twitter)
Twitter former CEO Jack Dorsey also agrees with the change, saying, “100%. Mute only.” But the problem with a complete mute is it might not provide enough protection against abusive users. A muted user can still interact with the muter and comment on his posts.
Additionaly, Musk’s decision to remove blocking features contradicts App Store and Google Play Store policies. Both stores require social platforms to provide users with tools to protect themselves against harassment, including the ability to block. Insisting on implementing the change might lead to removing the X app from both app stores unless Musk can settle with Google and Apple.
Another question that X needs to answer is whether the accounts that were blocked before the implementation of this decision will be automatically unblocked. If the change takes effect, the only way to protect your tweets is to make your account private.
Protecting free speech was arguably one of Elon Musk’s main incentives to pay $44 billion for Twitter. After taking over the company, the billionaire reinstated some controversial accounts like Andrew Tate, Jordan Peterson, and Donald Trump. Removing the blocking feature might also align with Musk’s free speech incentives and the “digital town square” he wants to build.