Explainer: X (Twitter) wants to remove the block feature. Here’s what it means for your privacy

Elon Musk’s unyielding drive to revamp Twitter, now known as X, continues with yet another major change. Despite user backlash and platform upheaval caused by previous shifts, Musk is again shaking things up—this time by announcing his intention to remove the platform’s “block” feature. This feature, long used by users to filter interactions and avoid unwanted engagement, may soon no longer be part of the X (Twitter) experience. He also contends that a modified “mute” feature would be superior as a replacement and that blocking of direct messages should remain.

But what does this mean for user privacy? And will Musk actually follow through on his promise to make another radical change? Here’s what you need to know. 

How does X’s (Twitter) block feature work?

The block feature has served as an important tool for users to control their interactions and safeguard their online experiences. By blocking specific accounts, users could prevent them from viewing their tweets, engaging in conversations, and following them. 

The block feature can be used to prevent harassment, abuse, and unwanted attention. You can also simply block someone you don’t like, whose posts you don’t like—or for no reason at all.

Why is X (Twitter) removing the block feature?

The announcement that X (Twitter) was removing the block feature arrived in classic Musk fashion—via a tweet. In response to a question about whether there’s ever a good reason to block someone on the platform, Musk said, “Block is going to be deleted as a ‘feature’, except for DMs,” referring to direct messages.

When probed about why, he said the feature “makes no sense,” and that users could instead use “a stronger form of mute” to serve similar purposes. Notably, Twitter’s founder, Jack Dorsey, responded that he agreed with Musk’s statement, including the “100” emoji.

However, the support seems to stop there. Musk has not publicly elaborated on the rationale for why it “makes no sense,” with the public offering only criticism of the yet-to-be-enacted decision, as people who face harassment or stalking will lose a key safeguard if they want to continue using the platform.

Most speculate that Musk’s motivation to remove the block feature is to help grow the platform and strengthen the site’s ad business. At the same time, Musk’s clear goal to increase his online influence is widely known, as is his push for a version of “free speech” that matches his own views. However, many of the platform’s users have blocked his personal account. There is now widespread chatter that this predicament must have played a part in his taking this bold step.

Why X (Twitter) removing the block feature is problematic

While Musk’s intentions might be rooted in his vision of reshaping digital interactions and spreading his personal gospel, the removal of the block feature introduces a myriad of concerns—particularly when it comes to user privacy and safety. 

The removal of the X (Twitter) block feature undermines users’ ability to maintain a degree of personal privacy online. Users who once relied on blocking to keep their updates hidden from specific users might no longer feel safe to use X with their location, family life, jobs, and more being broadcast to those individuals. 

The block feature has long been an essential tool for users to protect themselves from unwanted attention, harassment, and abuse. Without it, users risk unsolicited interactions from individuals and pesky bots they’d previously taken measures to block. This makes the absence of the block feature a potential threat to users’ well-being, particularly those who have encountered online harassment or stalking before. Marginalized groups (such as LGBTQ+ people) could be disproportionately affected, as they tend to experience more hate speech, discrimination, and targeted abuse.

As an alternative, Musk suggests utilizing the mute feature. But this approach also raises concerns for users. Unlike blocking, the mute feature merely eliminates a muted account’s posts from a user’s timeline without severing the connection between the user and the person following them. 

Additionally, while blocking an account prevents it from accessing your public posts on the platform, muting X (Twitter) accounts still allows them to respond to your public posts. However, you won’t receive notifications of their responses, and their replies remain hidden by default. 

That said, the platform says a new function is in the works that would be a better alternative to blocking and muting, so it’s still unknown what’s in store.

Read more: The Twitterverse in numbers

Musk’s biggest roadblock: Breach of platform policies

Musk’s decision to remove the block feature could put X (Twitter) in conflict with platform policies set by app stores like Apple’s App Store and Google Play. These policies require social media platforms to implement robust moderation features, including blocking, to safeguard users from abusive or harmful content. 

For example, Apple’s current guidelines specify that apps featuring user-generated content need to incorporate measures like blocking functions to safeguard users from abuse within the apps. A similar safety protocol is enforced by Google’s Play Store.

If Musk moves ahead with this choice, there is widespread speculation that the limited allowance of the block feature solely for private messaging on X (Twitter) won’t be enough to navigate around the policies set by both tech giants. This means that X (Twitter) could potentially be removed from both app stores, which would further diminish its already declining user base. As a result, numerous critics speculate that Musk will probably reverse his decision.

So, will Musk actually remove the block feature from X (Twitter)?

It depends. Considering Musk’s history of bold actions, like acquiring Twitter, rebranding the platform as X, dismissing multiple staff members, and frequently changing his stance on Twitter Blue, it appears likely. He usually does what he says, then backtracks. 

It’s also yet to be seen what the new feature intending to replace the existing block and mute features will look like. It could very well be compliant with platform policies required by the app stores.

Timeline: Elon Musk’s controversial X (Twitter) decisions 

The potential impact on X’s (Twitter) presence in Apple and Google’s app stores, which could lead to its removal, is probably the primary deterrent stopping Musk from implementing the move. But only time will tell if he actually goes ahead with it, or does a 180 on his decision. 

Taking control of your privacy on X (Twitter)

Whether Musk ultimately proceeds with the removal of the block feature on X (Twitter) is anyone’s guess. Nonetheless, it’s important to remain prepared for potential changes that might affect your interactions on the social media platform. Enhancing your X (Twitter) account’s privacy is a proactive step towards safeguarding your digital experience, and something you can do straight away. Here’s how:

1. Make your account private

One of the most effective ways to control who sees your posts is by making your tweets private. This feature ensures that only approved followers can access and engage with your content. To do this:

1. Navigate to More on the left-hand menu 
2. Select Settings and Support then Settings and privacy
3. Under Privacy and safety select Audience and tagging 
4. Click the checkbox next to Protect your posts

2. Report abusive behavior

If you encounter abusive, threatening, or harassing behavior on X (Twitter), make sure you report it. You can do this by selecting the three dots (…) at the top right of the tweet and selecting Report post. 

Reporting these types of posts could help the platform identify accounts in violation of Twitter rules. Accounts that engage in inappropriate behavior could get banned from the platform.

3. Utilize the mute feature

As Musk suggests, if you don’t want to make your account private, and certain accounts or interactions continue to bother you, the mute feature can be a valuable tool as it at least silences notifications from accounts you’d prefer not to engage with. While they can still see your posts and respond, you at least won’t have to see what they post. 

To mute an account on X (Twitter), simply:

1. Find the profile of the account you want to mute
2. Click on the three dots (…) next to their Twitter handle
3. Select Mute 

While it’s a given, also remember not to tweet any information that can identify your personal details or whereabouts, especially if you have a public account.