Elon Musk has caused an uproar on “X”, formerly known as Twitter, after announcing that the “block” feature on the app is going to be “deleted, except for direct messaging.“ Users immediately took to the platform to push back on the announcement citing cases of harassment and the importance of having the freedom to delegate who has access to their content.
“Block is going to be deleted as a ‘feature’, except DMs,” Musk tweeted in response to the Tesla Owners Silicon Valley X account asking, “Is there ever a reason to block vs mute someone?”
Musk went on to share that the “block” feature, “makes no sense.” Users immediately jumped into the conversation stating that removing the feature would be a bad idea that would leave users unable to protect themselves from stalkers, harassment, porn or scam accounts that target their content.
“Blocking is a good way to prevent scammers/bots from replying to future posts in the time they’re waiting to be actioned.” ALX tweeted, “I also think blocking should be encouraged in place of reporting when people are getting unwanted replies & in cases when there’s no ToS violation.”
Rebel News’ Ian Miles Cheong noted that X may not be able to remove the block function without facing removal from Apple’s App Store.
Under Apple’s App Store developer terms of service, it states that "To prevent abuse, apps with user-generated content or social networking services must include," the developer must include the "ability to block abusive users from the service."
Left-wing commentator, ShoeOnHead, also chimed in sharing, “people can say whatever they want but others should be allowed to lock their doors and not listen to it”.
Wall Street Silver, another popular X account shared, “There are certain evil people that users just don't want following them or replying to them. Scammers, cyber stalkers, etc”.
The current block feature allows users to stop someone from not only sending them direct messages, but also stops blocked accounts from commenting or even seeing one's posts.
Musk shares that with the new potential removal, the only option to block someone would be in direct messaging with the “mute” feature taking the place of blocking.
Another issue people have raised regarding the importance of the block feature surrounds the targeted reporting of one’s Twitter account. During the reign of Twitter 1.0 leftists would often target the former Twitter accounts of those they disagreed with politically, resulting in a mass flagging of tweets and the ultimate censorship or removal of one’s account on the basis of free speech.
Users highlight how giving up the access to the block feature could once again result in these types of targeted campaigns.
Porn is still allowed on the platform and people often use the block feature to stop content like this from appearing on their feed as well, with users overall pointing out that they should get the final say in who has access to their content.
This is a breaking story and will be updated.
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