Social media company X, previously recognized as Twitter, is set to eliminate a protective function that enables users to prevent other accounts from interacting with them, as indicated by owner Elon Musk on Friday.
This decision adds to the series of contentious actions taken by the company since Musk’s acquisition last year. The blocking functionality on X permits users to restrict specific accounts from contacting them, viewing their posts, or following them.
In a post on the platform, Musk stated, “Block is going to be removed as a ‘feature’, except for DMs,” referring to direct messages. He mentioned that X would continue to maintain the mute feature, which shields users from seeing designated accounts. Unlike blocking, muting does not notify the other account about the action taken.
Although the billionaire owner has identified himself as a proponent of free speech without limitations, critics have voiced concerns about the responsibility of his approach. Following his acquisition, researchers have observed an escalation in hate speech and content promoting anti-Semitism on the platform.
Additionally, certain governments have accused the company of insufficient content moderation. The decision to eliminate or curtail the block feature could potentially lead X to clash with the standards established by Apple’s App Store and Google Play, which is under Alphabet.
Apple mandates that apps involving user-generated content must incorporate the capacity to block abusive users. Google Play Store’s regulations stipulate that apps need to include an in-app mechanism to block user-generated content and users. Requests for comments from X, Google, and Apple did not yield immediate responses.
Responding to anti-bullying activist Monica Lewinsky’s post advocating for the retention of the “essential tool to ensure online safety,” CEO Linda Yaccarino defended Musk’s course of action. Ensuring user safety on X remains the company’s top priority, according to Yaccarino. She further noted that efforts are being made to develop a superior alternative to the current block and mute functions. X has previously disclosed that Musk will lead the product and engineering teams, while Yaccarino will oversee other divisions, encompassing legal and sales.
