X/Twitter will soon be changing the way the block feature works, making it impossible for users to stop people they have blocked from viewing their posts.
The news was revealed by web developer Nima Owji on Monday evening, who tweeted: ‘X is about to remove the current block button, meaning that if an account is public, their posts will be visible to the blocked users as well!’
Twitter CEO Elon Musk soon confirmed the development, responding ‘High time this happened. The block function will block that account from engaging with, but not block seeing, public posts,’ to Owji’s tweet.
Although the reasons behind the change are unclear, users speculated the move was a way for the company to ensure everyone sees advertisements, instead of blocking them.
Others expressed concern for the safety of users who have been victims of stalking or targeted harassment, claiming it puts their safety at risk.
Responding to Musk, Owji said: ‘Good move! ‘The block button for public accounts was a stupid feature since everyone could view the posts from their browsers’ incognito mode.’
Musk has a well-publicised dislike of the block button and has tried on more than one occasion to get rid of it.
Last year, Musk claimed the feature ‘makes no sense’ and that ‘it needs to be deprecated in favor of a stronger form of mute.’
He also threatened to stop letting users block people on the platform completely, except for direct messages.
However, none of his attempted changes have so far been successful.
In May, X/Twitter announced that if a user who has blocked you replies to one of your posts, you will now be able to see their reply.
The company claimed the move was part of the platform’s ongoing commitment to ‘aligning the block feature with our principles as a public town square.’
In August, Twitter was banned in Brazil after ignoring a high court order to suspend dozens of accounts accused of spreading disinformation.
A judge subsequently imposed a £625,000 fine for each day the social media platform was accessible in the country.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
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