In a recent update, users of the platform now known as X (previously Twitter) will no longer have the option to prevent unwanted followers from commenting on their content, as highlighted in a post by X owner Elon Musk on Friday. This move eliminates a feature that has long been considered vital for maintaining user safety. The ability to block will be retained solely for direct messages, as stated by Musk. Addressing a question posed by the Tesla Owners Silicon Valley account, which promotes the electric car company where Musk holds the position of CEO, he revealed, “The ‘Block’ feature is being removed, except for DMs.” This change comes in response to a discussion regarding the merits of blocking versus muting someone on the platform.
After purchasing Twitter for $44 billion in the previous year, Musk has undertaken a comprehensive transformation of the company. This overhaul has involved significant staff layoffs, the reinstatement of accounts that were previously banned, and a recent rebranding effort that led to the company and platform being renamed as X. However, Musk did not furnish an explanation or specify a timeline for the removal of the block feature. In a subsequent response, he simply stated that the decision “makes no sense” and reassured users that the mute function will remain accessible.
The block feature has empowered users to prevent hateful content and harassment from appearing in their feed as responses to their posts. In contrast, the mute function solely restricts the user themselves from viewing the unwanted responses, without removing those responses from the feeds of others. For a considerable period, Twitter users have utilized the block feature as a means of participating in boycotts and to evade viewing advertisements from particular brands or promoters within the platform.
Changpeng Zhao, the CEO of Binance and an investor in the rebranded Twitter along with Musk, expressed his perspective in a post, suggesting that the company should prioritize addressing other issues. “X should prioritize resolving the challenges of bots and spam prior to discontinuing block functionality,” noted Zhao, whose firm operates one of the globe’s biggest cryptocurrency exchanges. He added, “Just my 0.02.”
Louis Jones, a seasoned media and advertising professional currently affiliated with the Brand Safety Institute, conveyed significant apprehension about Musk’s recent proposal. Jones highlighted the potential risks of this plan, emphasizing the possibility of users facing an influx of spam, threats, and other detrimental content. In an email sent to CNBC, Jones outlined his concerns regarding Musk’s perceived lenient stance on free speech. He argued that such an approach is likely to produce a dual negative impact, fostering an environment where bullying becomes more prevalent while simultaneously stifling the freedom of expression for individuals who become targets of bullies and predators. Jones concluded that this trajectory could lead to a detrimental cycle, ultimately jeopardizing the enduring success of the X platform.
