Privacy in Peril? X Rolling Out New Block Feature That Lets Blocked Users View Profiles

X, the platform once known as Twitter, recently began rolling out a new version of its block function, prompting significant user concern. The change, first announced by company owner Elon Musk in September, allows blocked users to view the profiles, posts, followers, and following lists of those who have blocked them, although they remain restricted from directly interacting with the content.

Musk’s decision has fueled a mix of reactions, especially around user safety and the risk of harassment.

A Radical Shift in Blocking Mechanics

Traditionally, blocking on social media served as a straightforward safeguard: once blocked, a user could no longer view or interact with the profile or posts of the person who had blocked them. This setup provided a sense of privacy and safety for those seeking to avoid unwanted attention, harassment, or content theft. X’s new update, however, marks a significant departure from this approach, allowing blocked users visibility into the profiles and posts of the people who have blocked them. While they still cannot reply, like, retweet, or send direct messages, their ability to view this information has raised red flags for many.

X’s engineering team explained that this update aims to offer “greater transparency,” suggesting that blocked users should be able to see if harmful information is shared about them by the blocking party. However, critics argue that the change potentially undermines privacy protections and leaves users more vulnerable to harassment and stalking.

“Friction Matters” – User Concerns About Safety

The response from the X community has been largely critical. Many users expressed frustration and worry over the changes, with one user sharing, “Those of us who have stalkers or content thieves don’t appreciate this change at all and shouldn’t need to lock our accounts to protect ourselves.”

One prominent voice in this debate is Tracy Chou, developer of Block Party, an anti-harassment tool designed to simplify the blocking process. Chou critiqued the update, emphasizing the importance of “friction” in protecting users from unwanted interactions. According to her, the ease of access for blocked users to view profiles and posts reduces a critical layer of protection, ultimately making it “easy for a creeper to creep.”

Compliance Concerns and App Store Regulations

Beyond user backlash, questions have emerged about whether X’s revised block feature aligns with app store guidelines. Apple’s policy on apps with user-generated content mandates the inclusion of tools that allow users to block abusive individuals. This policy was established to ensure that platforms provide adequate safety mechanisms for users. If X’s update is found to fall short of these requirements, it could face scrutiny from app store regulators, adding another layer of controversy to the change.

Via