Elon Musk, the owner of X (formerly known as Twitter), has announced the removal of the blocking feature for the platform’s users, citing that it “makes no sense.” As part of the app’s overhaul, users will now have the option to mute individuals. Muting allows users to remove posts from another account on their timeline without unfollowing or blocking them, while the muted account’s posts remain visible. Users will still retain the ability to block individuals from sending them direct messages.
Musk’s latest decision has sparked a significant debate on social media platforms, with concerns raised about the difficulty users might face in managing abusive content on their timelines. This marks the latest in a series of alterations made by Musk after his $44 billion acquisition of the platform last year.
Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey expressed his agreement with the removal of the block feature, responding with “100%. Mute only.”
Currently, X’s help center states that blocked accounts cannot follow you, view your tweets while logged in (unless they report you and your tweets mention them), find your tweets in search, or send you direct messages. Blocked accounts are also unable to access your followers and following lists, likes, lists when logged in, tag you in photos, add your account to their lists, or view any “Moments” you have created.
The removal of the blocking feature also raises potential issues with the terms and conditions of app stores like Apple’s App Store and Google Play. It could result in X no longer being available for download due to the inability to filter out harassment and bullying.
Linda Yaccarino, the CEO of Twitter, has emphasised that “users’ safety on X is our number one priority.” This statement comes a day after Musk’s announcement regarding the removal of the blocking feature from X, which was previously known as Twitter. Yaccarino also mentioned that they are actively developing an improved solution surpassing the existing block and mute functionalities.
