Elon Musk has stated that users will no longer be able to block other accounts on X, the social media platform formerly called Twitter.
New call
The block button allowed users to prevent others from seeing or responding to any of their content. Leaving blocking intact for direct messages, also known as DMs, would allow users to control who can contact them privately.
‘Block is going to be deleted as a ‘’feature’’, except for DMs,’ said Musk in a post to X on Friday, August 18. It makes no sense.’
As a substitute for blocking, Musk said in a subsequent post, users will be able to use the mute button.
Providing alternative
Muting an account prevents that user’s posts from appearing in one’s timeline but it’s still possible to see them by clicking on links, and the muted user can still view the content of the user who muted them.
Blocking, on the other hand, has been an essential security feature on the social media platform.
Angry reactions
Users on X have complained that removing the blocking feature could lead to an uptick in online harassment on X.
Removing the blocking feature is just one of many changes introduced by the world’s richest man since he acquired the company formerly known as Twitter in a $44 billion deal last year.
The changes so far…
Since the takeover, Musk has been working to create what he calls ‘Twitter 2.0’.
Some of the many changes introduced since Musk’s takeover include laying off much of the company’s workforce, scrapping the old verified programme in favour of the $8/month Twitter Blue subscription, changing the company’s name from Twitter to X and introducing some new features such as live streaming.
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