- Elon Musk Removes Block Feature for X Users
- Concerns Over Removal of Blocking Feature
- Potential Violation of App Store Terms of Service
Elon Musk has announced that the blocking feature will be withdrawn for X, formerly Twitter, users, stating that the feature “makes no sense.”
However, according to the head of X, consumers will still be able to block direct messaging.
However, many social media users stated that it will be more difficult for users to remove abusive posts from their timelines.
It is the latest in a series of modifications made by Mr. Musk since acquiring the site in a $44 billion transaction a year ago.
When users “block” an account, the account’s posts no longer appear in the blocker’s timeline, and vice versa.
A blocked account is no longer able to send messages or observe the blocked user’s posts.
Jack Dorsey, the former founder of Twitter, appeared to concur with Mr. Musk’s decision by posting “100%. “Silent only”
However, some concerns muted accounts would not provide sufficient protection against harassment, abuse, and surveillance.
Currently, the mute function only disables notifications for a user’s postings. A muted account can still view the muter’s posts and comment on them.
One user described Mr. Musk’s decision as a “huge mistake,” stating that there are “toxic people” on the platform with whom users did not wish to interact.
Removing a blocking function may violate Apple App Store and Google Play terms of service.
Both stores stipulate that social media applications must provide users with the ability to filter harassment and bullying.
It could indicate that X is no longer available for download from those stores.
If the policy is implemented, it is unclear whether all barred accounts will be automatically unblocked.
However, users can make their accounts private, hide their tweets, and restrict access to approved followers.
When Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, took over the social media site, he made several changes, including firing the company’s top executive team and instituting a fee for the “blue tick” or verification feature.
It’s commonly known that Elon Musk’s 153 million followers are not always serious about his many X posts.
Since X rarely responds to journalist inquiries, it is difficult to confirm anything he says on behalf of the company. However, as its proprietor, he is a significant, albeit unreliable, source.
The block button is a well-established tool for those who feel attacked, bullied, or merely wish to exclude an account with which they have a strong disagreement (and X is full of such accounts).
When reporting an account, you’re advised to block or mute it until the inquiry is complete. This is not exclusive to X.
Muting a user account prevents you from seeing it, but it can still see you. Being forced to stay visible to someone you want to avoid or fear is odd.
Musk has made it clear that he wants his “digital town square” to be a forum where all voices are heard, but he risks falling afoul of app store terms of service and social media regulations designed to protect users from online harm.
