Social media giant X, formerly recognised as Twitter, is set to eliminate a significant protective aspect that empowers users to block other accounts, according to a statement by owner Elon Musk on Friday. This decision has sparked controversy, adding to a series of noteworthy actions taken by Musk since acquiring the company last year.
The functionality in question, termed the “block” function, enables users to restrict particular accounts from making contact, viewing their posts, or following their activities. In a recent platform post, Musk disclosed that the “block” feature would be phased out as a prominent component, excluding its usage for direct messages (DMs).
Musk confirmed that the “mute” feature will remain intact. This feature allows users to screen out specific accounts, preventing their content from appearing in the user’s feed. Unlike the “block” feature, the “mute” function does not send a notification to the other account about the action taken.
Elon Musk, a billionaire entrepreneur, has positioned himself as a staunch advocate of unrestricted freedom of speech. However, some critics argue that this stance has led to irresponsible consequences. Researchers have identified an uptick in hate speech and content with antisemitic undertones on the platform following Musk’s acquisition. Governments have accused the company of inadequate content moderation efforts.
The removal or restriction of the “block” feature could potentially lead to clashes with the guidelines enforced by Apple’s App Store and Google Play, a subsidiary of Alphabet. Both platforms stipulate that apps featuring user-generated content must incorporate mechanisms to counter abusive users. The Google Play Store specifically mandates that apps provide an in-app system for blocking both user-generated content and users themselves.
As of now, X, Google, and Apple have not issued formal responses to inquiries seeking comments on this matter.
In response to a plea from anti-bullying advocate Monica Lewinsky to retain the “critical tool for online safety,” Chief Executive Linda Yaccarino defended Musk’s decision. Yaccarino reaffirmed the company’s commitment to user safety and indicated ongoing efforts to develop an improved alternative to the current “block” and “mute” functions. She encouraged continued feedback from users to aid in refining these measures.
Within the organisational structure, it has been communicated that Elon Musk will lead the product and engineering teams, while Linda Yaccarino will oversee all other divisions, including legal and sales.
