Featured Image Credit: Matt Cardy/Contributor / NurPhoto/Contributor / Getty
It's hard to believe it's been two years since Elon Musk took the reins to the Twitterverse, as October 2022 marks the milestone moment the SpaceX CEO officially acquired the social media platform.
The days of Twitter are long gone, and although Musk officially rebranded it as X in July 2023, it's still a struggle not to think of it as Twitter.
Musk is keen to chart a new era of X, and with it, he's continued to make some divisive changes to how things work. From doubling down on subscriptions to relaxing content moderation, it can sometimes feel like X is a bit of a lawless place. Still, at least we've got blocks to keep us safe. Right, Elon?
In his latest controversial move, Musk is overhauling the way the block system works. More than just letting you walk away from that frustrating argument that's become too much, blocks are seen as an important safety feature that can prevent stalking and harassment online.
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This is a violation of both the @apple app store and @Google Play Store terms of service. It is also deemed illegal by the entire country of Canada. Not to mention it's a *stupid* and dangerous move that only benefits stalkers and creeps. @tim_cook @sundarpichai https://t.co/YG0i77IMl0
— JerryRigEverything (@ZacksJerryRig) October 16, 2024
Now, the official X Engineering account has announced that blocks will no longer work in the traditional way. While those who've you've blocked won't be able to interact or reply to your posts, they will now be able to see them. X's current system means that anyone who you've blocked will simply see a 'You're blocked' message when they try to visit your profile.
Unless your entire account is private, previously blocked accounts will soon be able to see your entire feed. Musk teased these changes on September 23, but now, we're warned it's coming into play 'soon.'
As you can imagine, the news hasn't gone down well online, with it raising questions about safeguarding and many branding it as 'dangerous.'
Some have pointed out how there was already (technically) a way around blocks by a user simply creating another account. Tech reviewer JerryRigEverything responded to this criticism and wrote: "Which is already something they should fix. I've blocked at least one person 7 different times cuz he's nuts and dangerous to my family.
"On Instagram you can block future accounts that the person might create as well. And that's much more safe." Although the same account claims Musk's changes are 'illegal' under Canadian law, others aren't convinced.
For those questioning why the block feature is being flipped on its head, someone else joked: "Elon is mad that users aren’t seeing his posts." Another added: "You forgot Elon. It benefits Elon."
While it's true that you could simply set your profile to private, that's not really the point of being on X. Despite a growing legion of concerned users, Musk isn't known for listening to our complaints in the past. Like it or lump it, it looks like X is becoming more like the Wild West every day.
