X Weakens Block Power: Blocked Users Can Still Peek at Your Public Posts, But Can't Engage!
Social media platform X is altering its block function, allowing blocked users to still view public posts from the accounts that blocked them. While engagement is restricted, the change limits the traditional power of blocking.
Social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has introduced changes to how its block function operates. In this update, blocked users will still be able to view public posts made by the accounts that have blocked them. Elon Musk, the owner of X, first confirmed this change in September 2024, stating that the block feature will prevent blocked accounts from engaging with the blocker but will no longer prevent them from seeing public posts.
Independent app researcher Nima Owji informed TechCrunch in September 2024 that blocked users will now be able to view public content from accounts that have blocked them as if they were regular users. However, there will be restrictions on actions like reposting, quoting, replying, or engaging with these blocked accounts.
Previously, if an account blocked a user, the blocked individual could still view public tweets by logging out of their account and accessing the content as a guest.
X’s Previous Dilution of the Block Feature This is not the first time X has attempted to reduce the effectiveness of the block function. Back in 2013, Twitter implemented a policy allowing blocked users to see, follow, and interact with content from those who had blocked them. While the account initiating the block would not see these interactions, others would. After facing heavy criticism from users, Twitter quickly reversed this decision and reinstated a stricter block function.
However, this latest change by X differs slightly, as blocked users will not be able to engage directly with the accounts that blocked them, but they will still have access to public posts.
Elon Musk, who acquired Twitter (now X) for $44 billion in April 2022, has implemented several significant changes to the platform since taking ownership, including renaming it to X and introducing a paid verification system.
