X Seeks to Dilute Blocking to Enhance Transparency

Elon Musk has been advocating for the removal of the block option on X (formerly Twitter) for some time, and the X team has now proposed a compromise to address this issue. The new changes will allow users to see replies from accounts that have blocked them, in order to identify and report potential harmful content. This modification aims to align with app store requirements while minimizing the impact of blocking on the app. Despite the block, users can still view the profile’s posts by tapping on the “View Posts” option, and can even engage with the content, although the blocked account will not see these interactions. Elon Musk has expressed his dislike for blocking and believes that users should not have the ability to fully block others on the platform.

A major drawback of the current blocking system on X is that even if an account is blocked, their publicly posted content can still be viewed by logging out and accessing the profile. This renders blocking somewhat ineffective in restricting certain interactions. Elon Musk and his team suggest that blocking allows users to make negative comments without the creator’s knowledge, undermining its purpose. Elon has proposed the use of a “Mute” function as an alternative to blocking and has hinted at the possibility of a more robust mute feature replacing blocking entirely. However, app store rules require apps with access to publicly posted content to provide the functionality to report and block users.

It is likely that X will have to reconsider its decision to modify the block feature and may need to enhance it to allow users to effectively distance themselves from certain profiles. The app is embarking on this change to further align the block feature with its principles as a public forum. The goal is to empower users to control their experience on the platform while ensuring the public visibility of posts. Despite the proposed changes, it is evident that X’s system has its own shortcomings, and the issues surrounding blocking stem more from the app’s implementation rather than the functionality itself. Elon Musk has criticized public block lists, citing concerns about their impact on the recommendation system and the potential for creating a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) vector.

While the app stores mandate the availability of blocking functionality, Elon Musk and his team are exploring ways to reduce users’ ability to block others outright. Although the proposed changes might not be sustainable in the long run, they offer a temporary solution to address Musk’s reservations about blocking on the platform. It remains to be seen how X will navigate the requirements set by the app stores while also accommodating Musk’s vision for the platform. The debate surrounding blocking on X highlights the challenges in balancing user control and maintaining a safe and engaging environment on social media platforms. Ultimately, the effectiveness of blocking and related features depends on the app’s implementation and alignment with user needs and expectations.