X is pushing out its hotly debated update to the blocking feature, which means that even if you’ve blocked someone, they’ll still be able to check out your public posts. However, on the bright side, blocked users still can’t follow you, interact with your posts, or slide into your DMs.
X defended this change by pointing out that users could already peek at and interact with accounts that have blocked them by switching to a non-blocked account. The platform also claimed that this update was meant to bring more transparency, arguing that the block feature has been misused to hide harmful or private information about users. But honestly, this reasoning feels a bit off, especially since X lets users set their accounts to private and control what they share.
Today, block can be used by users to share and hide harmful or private information about those they’ve blocked. Users will be able to see if such behavior occurs with this update, allowing for greater transparency.
— Engineering (@XEng) October 16, 2024
Musk has been pretty outspoken about his dislike for the block button. Last year, he called it a feature that “makes no sense” and suggested it should be replaced with a more robust mute option. He even hinted at the possibility of completely removing the blocking capability from the platform – except for direct messages, of course.
High time this happened.
The block function will block that account from engaging with, but not block seeing, public post.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 23, 2024
Overall, while X’s block button (at least until there is one) will still stop someone from engaging with your posts, they’ll still have a front-row seat to what you’re sharing. This new twist on the blocking feature really flips the script on what blocking has traditionally meant.
I think this updated feature could indeed open the door for stalking and harassment, a concern many users have voiced since the announcement. Why? Well, basically, while you can keep someone at a distance, they can still keep an eye on what you’re up to.