UNITED STATES: Elon Musk, the proprietor of X, previously known as Twitter, has revealed that the platform will no longer support the blocking of unwanted followers’ comments.
This decision eliminates a safety feature, leaving only direct messages as a means of blocking communication. The “Block” option will be removed as a “feature” except for direct texts.
The Tesla Owners Silicon Valley account, led by Musk, raised questions about the necessity of blocking versus muting someone, particularly considering his role as the CEO of an electric vehicle company.
Since his $44 billion acquisition of Twitter last year and rebranding it as X, Elon Musk has made significant changes, including staff terminations and allowing previously banned accounts to resurface. However, he has not provided an explanation or timeline for this recent change.
The block feature has been commonly used by users to prevent offensive content and abuse from appearing in their feeds. On the other hand, the mute option only restricts specific users from seeing the content, but it doesn’t eliminate unwanted responses from other users’ feeds.
Traditionally, Twitter users have employed the block option to initiate boycotts or to cease seeing advertisements from specific companies or advertisers on the platform.
Changpeng Zhao, CEO of Binance and one of Musk’s fellow investors in the new Twitter, conveyed in a blog post that the platform should focus on other areas.
Zhao, at the helm of one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, suggested that X should first address its bot and spam issues before removing the blocking feature.
Louis Jones, a seasoned media and advertising executive, expressed concern over Musk’s decision, as it might flood users with harmful content.
Jones noted in an email to CNBC that Musk’s approach to free speech could have a “double effect,” leading to increased abuse on the platform while limiting the ability of victims of harassment to express themselves without fear.
It is evident that the downward spiral caused by this move is unlikely to enhance X’s long-term success.
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