Elon Musk Alters X’s Block Feature, Diminishing User Privacy and Protection

If you’re still scrolling through the platform formerly known as Twitter, now X, you might have noticed a pop-up message announcing upcoming changes to the block feature. According to the alert, blocked accounts will soon be able to view your public posts, although they won’t be able to engage with them. The only way to prevent unwanted eyes from seeing your content? Switching your account to private.

The pop-up notification reads:

“Block is changing soon. If your posts are set to public, accounts you have blocked will be able to view them, but they will not be able to engage. For more control over who can see your posts, you can still protect your account.”

This change strips away one of the most basic protections users have relied on for years to avoid harassment, unwanted attention, and general toxicity on the platform. Last month, Elon Musk hinted that modifications to the block function were coming, describing it as “pointless.” Now, it seems those changes are imminent, leaving many users frustrated and concerned.

Previously, blocking an account on X was a straightforward solution for curating your online experience and keeping out unwanted interactions. Blocking someone meant they couldn’t see your posts, message you, or engage with your content in any way. It was a fundamental tool for safeguarding personal space in a public digital environment.

Under Musk’s new policy, however, blocking will no longer prevent users from viewing your public posts. Although they won’t be able to comment, like, or retweet, they can still monitor your activity—essentially turning the platform into a one-way mirror for blocked users. The only way to prevent blocked accounts from seeing your posts entirely is by setting your profile to private, which also limits your reach to only approved followers.

Elon Musk has made it clear that he has a love-hate relationship with the idea of being blocked. In fact, he’s publicly criticized the block feature, calling it “pointless” and suggesting it’s antithetical to the open nature he envisions for X. Musk has argued that muting is a sufficient alternative to blocking, as it allows users to filter out content they don’t want to see while still keeping content accessible.

But the changes to the block feature seem less about enhancing user experience and more about Musk’s personal philosophy. The billionaire CEO has a history of promoting “free speech” on the platform, often to the detriment of user safety. Critics argue that Musk’s distaste for blocking has less to do with improving the platform and more with his discomfort at the idea of people hiding conversations from him or his followers.

This shift is also consistent with Musk’s pattern of rolling back safety features that other social media platforms have implemented to reduce harassment. In the past year, X has seen a wave of changes that have seemingly prioritized engagement over user protection, such as the removal of content moderation teams and the reinstatement of banned accounts.

The block feature has long been a key tool for preventing harassment, bullying, and abusive behavior online. Allowing blocked users to still view public posts significantly undermines this protection, especially for those who rely on the platform for professional or personal expression. For people who face targeted harassment—such as women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and marginalized communities—the block feature has been a crucial way to create a safer online space.

In recent years, social media platforms have faced growing pressure to address online harassment. While companies like Instagram, Facebook, and even TikTok have responded by adding more protective features, Musk’s approach with X seems to be moving in the opposite direction. His changes could potentially increase instances of stalking and trolling, as blocked users will still have a way to keep tabs on accounts that tried to shut them out.

Musk’s decision to weaken the block feature raises an important question: Why doesn’t he seem interested in protecting users from harassment? Some speculate that Musk’s approach is rooted in a belief that social media should be an unrestricted free-for-all. Others suggest he’s unwilling to take steps that might limit engagement on the platform, as his ultimate goal seems to be transforming X into a digital town square where virtually anything goes.

However, this philosophy appears to ignore the reality that unchecked harassment can drive users away. In the quest for open dialogue, Musk may be inadvertently creating an environment that feels hostile, especially for vulnerable users. While he may believe that blocking is unnecessary or overused, many would argue that the feature provides essential control over one’s online experience.

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself on X?

If you’re concerned about the upcoming changes, there are a few steps you can take to protect your privacy and safety:

• Set Your Account to Private: By making your account private, you can control who follows you and sees your posts. However, this also limits your reach, as only approved followers will be able to view your content.
• Use the Mute Feature: While muting doesn’t prevent people from viewing your posts, it does allow you to avoid seeing content from specific accounts. It’s a way to filter out unwanted voices, although it lacks the full blocking functionality.
• Report Harassment: X still offers a reporting feature for abusive or threatening behavior. If you experience harassment, make sure to report it and document any abusive interactions.
• Consider Other Platforms: If X no longer meets your needs for safety and privacy, you might explore other social media platforms that have stronger protections in place.

Elon Musk’s decision to change the block feature on X has sparked a wave of backlash, as users question why the platform’s leadership seems more interested in promoting “free speech” at all costs than in protecting its community. For many, this move only further illustrates Musk’s disconnect from the realities of online harassment and the needs of everyday users.

As the platform continues to evolve under Musk’s leadership, it remains to be seen whether these changes will ultimately hurt X’s user base or if the billionaire’s vision will prevail. In the meantime, users looking for a safer, more controlled online experience may find themselves searching for alternatives as they navigate this new reality on X.