Elon Musk's X Now Allows Blocked Users to View Posts

Elon Musk's X (formerly Twitter) has implemented a controversial change to the block function. The update allows blocked users to see posts of the accounts that blocked them, while still not being able to interact with those accounts.

That is, they cannot engage (like, reply, repost, etc.) with your posts.

WHY DID X MAKE THIS CHANGE?

X previously said it was making the change because users can already see and interact with accounts that have blocked them by switching to a non-blocked account. X claimed that blocking as previously implemented could be used to share and hide harmful or private information about those they've blocked, so the new feature allows for "greater transparency."

However, experts on social media abuse say that the changes help stalkers and criminals while reducing their victims' safety. "Enabling blocked users to see posts is catering to abusers and stalkers, indulging and facilitating their behaviors," wrote London Victims' Commissioner Claire Waxman. 

Some X users pointed out that X's blocking changes may go contrary to the rules on iOS and Google Play app stores. Apple, for one, states in its developer terms of service that any apps with user-generated content must offer "the ability to block abusive users from the service." The block button is still technically in place, though, so it's not clear what, if anything, Apple and Google will do.

Some users have reacted by ditching the app altogether, with alternative platforms like BlueSky and Threads gaining users and popularity over the last few months. Threads announced that it had hit 275 million monthly active users (MAUs)—gaining 75 million in just the past three months.