X has faced criticism and backlash for these changes, with many arguing that it could harm victims and survivors of abuse. Thomas Ristenpart, a professor of computer security at Cornell Tech and co-founder of the Clinic to End Tech Abuse, emphasized the importance of being able to control who sees their posts, especially for survivors of intimate-partner violence. He noted that social media posts can enable abusers to stalk or harass individuals, and removing the ability to block problematic individuals could be a significant setback for survivor safety. Critics have raised concerns about the potential consequences of this policy change on vulnerable users.
Since Elon Musk took over the platform in 2022, the former Twitter, he has implemented various changes that have loosened the platform’s policies on hate speech and harassment. These changes have often been framed as efforts to uphold free speech values, including the dismantling of the company’s Trust and Safety advisory group and the reinstatement of accounts previously banned for hate speech, harassment, and misinformation. Additionally, when a nonprofit research group highlighted an increase in hate speech on the platform, X responded by suing them. This lawsuit was ultimately dismissed, but it exemplifies Musk’s approach to addressing content moderation and user safety on the platform.
The recent modification to the blocking feature on X now allows accounts that have been blocked to still view public posts unless the user has a private account. While blocked accounts cannot interact with or repost these posts, they are still able to see this content. Furthermore, the change also prevents blocked accounts from following the user or being followed by them, as was the case before the policy update. Additionally, if a blocked account owner visits the profile of the user who blocked them, they will be notified that they have been blocked. X has stated that these changes were implemented to safeguard users who have placed blocks on specific accounts, providing greater transparency in the process.
This move has raised concerns among users and experts alike, particularly those focused on online safety and protection against abuse. The ability to block individuals on social media platforms has been considered a crucial tool for preventing harassment, stalking, and other forms of online abuse. By restricting this feature and allowing blocked accounts to still view public posts, X may be inadvertently exposing users to potential threats and risks. The debate around user safety and privacy on social media platforms continues to evolve, with ongoing discussions about the balance between free speech and the protection of vulnerable users.
As the platform navigates these changes and faces criticism for its handling of user safety issues, it remains to be seen how X will address these concerns moving forward. Elon Musk’s leadership and approach to content moderation continue to be scrutinized, with advocates calling for stronger protections for users, especially those at risk of abuse. The impact of these policy changes on the platform’s user base and reputation remains a topic of interest and debate, highlighting the importance of ongoing discussions around online safety and responsible platform governance. Understanding the implications of these changes and their potential consequences for users will be essential in shaping the future direction of social media platforms like X.
