Blocked accounts on X can still see your posts; Know why this can affect your privacy
Elon Musk, the owner of X (formerly Twitter), has announced an upcoming change to the platform’s block feature that will allow blocked accounts to view users’ public posts. The update is intended to improve the user experience, but it comes with specific limitations. Musk confirmed on Monday that while blocked accounts will no longer be able to interact with users’ posts, they will still be able to access them.
How will the blocking feature work?
Traditionally, blocking was intended to create a barrier between users and accounts they wanted to avoid. This approach has often been ineffective, as blocked accounts can still interact indirectly. The new update seeks to change this by preventing blocked users from commenting on posts while still allowing them to view any public content. Musk’s recent comments, reported by The Verge, make it clear that blocking an account effectively limits their ability to interact, but does not limit their visibility of public posts.
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Previous issues and vulnerabilities
Currently, when a user blocks an account on X, the platform displays a message that reads “You have been blocked.” The system also restricts blocked accounts from seeing followers, media, and following lists, according to areport by The Verge. With the upcoming update, Musk plans to further restrict how blocked accounts interact with users’ profiles. Previously, users could bypass these restrictions by creating new accounts, but these planned changes are expected to close that loophole.
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Musk has a history of expressing dissatisfaction with the platform’s current blocking mechanism. Last year, he voiced his disapproval of the block button, arguing that it was ineffective and instead advocating for a stronger mute feature. He even suggested that the ability to block accounts could be removed, except in the case of direct messages.
Concerns about X’s verification system
In related developments, X’s verification system has come under scrutiny. The European Union has raised concerns about its “blue tick” verification process, saying it could be exploited by malicious actors. Margrethe Vestager, the EU’s competition chief, has criticized the system for using “dark patterns” that could mislead users. She has highlighted a lack of transparency in X’s verification process, which limits researchers’ access to data and raises questions about the reliability of the process.
As X continues to evolve under Musk’s leadership, users can expect more updates that reshape their interactions on the platform, fueling discussions about privacy and user engagement on social media.
