Elon Musk-owned X has announced the release of a new block function on Sunday which would change the way block works on the platform. Under the new system, blocked users are able to view the profiles, posts, and follower and following lists of the users who blocked them. Many platform users have voiced concerns about this change, citing increased risks to their safety and a greater likelihood of content theft.


X's New Block Feature


Traditionally, when a user was blocked on social media, they lost access to the blocker’s profile entirely. This meant they couldn’t view posts, check the bio, or interact in any way, including through private messages. 


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However, X recently announced a change to its longstanding block feature. Under the updated policy, blocked users will now be able to see the profiles and posts of those who have blocked them, though they’re still restricted from replying, retweeting, liking posts, or sending direct messages.


Previously, the policy didn’t clarify access to followers and following lists. But the latest support documentation now indicates that blocked users can view these lists as well, which has led to concerns that safety guardrails for users are being further weakened.


X's official engineering page posted, “Today, block can be used by users to share and hide harmful or private information about those they've blocked. Users will be able to see if such behaviour occurs with this update, allowing for greater transparency.”


This new introduction has not been well received by X users it seems as if the reaction of the majority has been negative. A user while posting about the feature said, “Those of us who have stalkers on here and content thieves don't appreciate this change at all and shouldn't need to lock our accounts to protect ourselves from predatory types.”