X is Weakening the Block Feature: Blocked Users Can Still See Your Posts

X (formerly Twitter) is changing the way the block feature works. According to recent updates, blocked users will now be able to see the posts of the accounts that blocked them, though they still won’t be able to interact with them. This update has sparked conversation as it significantly changes user privacy and safety dynamics on the platform. Elon Musk, who has long expressed dislike for the block feature, pushed this change to address what he calls the platform’s inherent inefficiency in blocking.

What’s Changing with the Block Feature?

In the current state of the platform, when a user blocks someone, the blocked account is prevented from viewing their tweets, interacting with them, or messaging them. However, under this new change, blocked users will regain access to view the posts of the person who blocked them, though the interaction barrier (such as commenting or liking) will remain in place. According to a source from X, this adjustment is being made because users who were blocked could simply switch to a non-blocked account to view posts anyway, rendering the block less effective.

This move aims to reduce the “illusion of privacy” that blocking provides. While it seems like a radical shift, Musk and his team believe it aligns with X’s philosophy of creating a more open, transparent platform.

Why Musk Dislikes the Block Feature

Elon Musk has openly shared his disdain for blocking on X. He has expressed that it “makes no sense,” believing that users should only be able to block others in direct messages and not in public feeds. Musk’s position comes from his belief that blocking fosters echo chambers, where users only interact with people who align with their views. Musk has previously stated that blocking could potentially be deleted as a feature altogether, reinforcing that sentiment with this recent update.

For many, this change brings concerns about harassment and online safety. Blocking has long been a tool for users to manage unwanted interactions. The idea that blocked users can still view content — even if they can’t interact with it — can feel invasive, especially to those who use the block feature as a means of curating their online experience.

What Does This Mean for X Users?

If you rely on blocking to keep unwanted users from viewing your content, this change might feel like a significant drawback. Previously, blocking created a clear boundary between users. Now, while these blocked individuals won’t be able to interact with your posts directly, they can still view your public content. This raises concerns for people dealing with online harassment or simply looking for more privacy.

The rationale behind the change, according to X, is that blocked users can already view content by creating secondary accounts or using incognito mode. Therefore, this adjustment won’t necessarily introduce new risks — it just acknowledges the loopholes that already exist.

One of the biggest concerns now is how effectively this change will balance openness with user safety. While blocking a user might no longer prevent them from seeing your posts, there are other features on X, such as muting and private accounts, that can help provide more control over what others can see.

Pushback from the Community

Unsurprisingly, many users have voiced concerns about the update. For years, blocking has been an essential tool for limiting the visibility of posts to unwanted viewers, trolls, or harassers. For those who use X as a platform for advocacy or outspoken opinions, the block feature has been one way to manage safety. With this change, critics argue that the platform is undermining user privacy in favour of transparency.

Some have pointed out that blocking serves an important role in giving users a sense of control. Even if users can find ways around being blocked, having that feature available has been psychologically comforting to those trying to escape harassment or unwanted attention.

The Future of Privacy on X

This latest move is part of a larger trend where Musk has advocated for fewer restrictions on online interactions. While removing the block feature’s full power may increase transparency, it has the potential to weaken user control over personal boundaries. What this means for X’s future is yet to be determined, but it’s clear that this update marks a shift in how the platform views online safety.

For users looking to maintain privacy, it might become more important to explore features like making accounts private or utilizing the mute button, which can prevent interactions while still allowing for broader control of your feed.