Twitter, AKA X, Could Leave App Stores If Elon Musk Removes Block Button

Elon Musk made an eyebrow-raising announcement this week on his app that he was eliminating the block button. 

“Block is going to be deleted as a ‘feature,’ except for DMs,” Musk shared on Friday. He explained that the feature “makes no sense.” Instead, he wants to strengthen the mute feature as the go-to for silencing unwanted commenters. Users were outraged by the move, many of which pointed out that removing the button would allow abusers, stalkers, trolls, and spam accounts unlimited access to them. 

I know my stalker hyped af about the block button being removed

— nando 🥒 (@cucumberwatch) August 18, 2023

So let me get this straight. People can threaten you, dox you, harass you with no repercussion (except twitter suggesting to block them) and now that’s being removed? Oh that’s just wonderful! pic.twitter.com/1vCuY0snUv

— nurtec LIZ (@dontcaIImyname) August 18, 2023

The block feature being removed will actually get me to leave for real
I have my abus1v3 ex blocked here and I won't feel safe if I can't have him blocked anymore

— Pug✌️🍉 (@meowserkoopa) August 18, 2023

The block button has been a safety feature incorporated in just about any social media app to prevent all unwanted interactions with other users. Now, many people are pointing out that the button is actually required to remain in the Google and Apple App Store. As The New Republic explains, the Apple store requires that all listed apps with user-generated content must offer protective methods for users. This includes the block button. Eliminating it would put Twitter (X) in direct violation of the marketplace. 

Musk’s decision to eliminate the block feature is in direct violation of App Store guidelines & will lead to X’s removal from the App Store, if implemented

I predict Elon isn’t aware of this & will backtrack — saying he was “trolling” or “joking” — and his followers will buy it pic.twitter.com/cHnfHNYZex

— LeGate (@williamlegate) August 18, 2023

It’s clear the Tesla founder didn’t think this through. However, considering his push for freedom of speech on the platform, Musk could be serious. He has not elaborated on his decision, but it wouldn’t be the first time that the tech giant has expressed the need to take away valuable app components since taking over. He temporarily removed Twitter Spaces and has recently been in talks to eliminate the Twitter Circle.