Changes to X: Canceling the Blocking Feature?

Leo Jefferson

Aug 30, 2023 | 9 min read

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Overview

X , formerly known as Twitter , is a social media platform that allows users to share their thoughts. After being acquired by Musk and renamed to X, the platform has undergone a series of reforms. One of the controversial changes is the plan to cancel the block feature . Musk believes that this will make X more open and free, allowing users to be exposed to different viewpoints. However, many people are concerned that canceling block will weaken personal privacy and lead to harassment, especially for vulnerable groups. This reform has sparked widespread discussions about freedom of speech and personal privacy protection.

How does the block feature on Twitter work?

Why does Musk want to cancel the block feature?

What problems may canceling the block feature bring to users?

How can you protect your privacy on X (Twitter)?

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How does the block feature on Twitter work?

The block feature on Twitter allows users to filter accounts they don't want to see or interact with. Once blocked, you won't see the blocked account's tweets or replies on your timeline, and they won't be able to view your content or send you direct messages. block is a one-way action, and the blocked account will not be notified, helping to reduce harassment, protect privacy, and avoid unnecessary contact. If an account poses a threat to you, block is an option rather than enduring it.

Why does Musk want to cancel the block feature?

Canceling the block feature may be driven by two motives. Firstly , Musk may aim to increase X's user base and advertising business, believing that this move will enhance his and other influential users' exposure and stimulate platform activity.

Secondly, he may be trying to advocate for his own concept of "freedom of speech," viewing the block feature as a tool that restricts freedom of expression and information exchange and emphasizing its "echo chamber" effect. He advocates for an improved "mute" feature that allows users to selectively mute certain content but cannot block replies or retweets. Regarding block in direct messages, he believes it should be retained as private messaging involves more intimate and sensitive communication.

What problems may canceling the block feature bring to users?

Canceling the block feature may lead users to face interference and harassment from previously blocked accounts . The mute feature may not completely prevent this impact, potentially damaging users' sense of security and privacy. Additionally, users may reduce their speech and interaction on the platform or even choose to leave, affecting X's user count and advertising business.

Furthermore, canceling the block feature may also lower user experience and engagement . Users may feel annoyed, frustrated, or angry, especially when they encounter unwanted content or disruptions. This could lead to users reducing their activity on X, thus impacting the platform's vitality and content sharing.

In summary, canceling the block feature may have negative implications for users' privacy, security, experience, and engagement . This decision has faced opposition from many users and critics, who are calling on Musk to reconsider.

How can you protect your privacy on X (Twitter)?

Here are some methods to protect your privacy on X (Twitter):

① Set your account to private

By doing this, only approved followers can see your tweets. To set your account to private, you should go to the Settings of X (Twitter), select the "Privacy and Safety" option, and check "Protect my Tweets."

② Use the mute feature

The mute feature allows you to block accounts, topics, or keywords that you don't want to see or hear. Muted accounts won't know that you've muted them, and it won't affect your interactions with them. To use the mute feature, you can go to the Settings of X (Twitter), select the "Privacy and Safety" option, and choose "Muted and Blocked."

③ Restrict who can reply to your tweets

If you don't want anyone or certain people to reply to your tweets, you can select the "Who can reply" option when posting a tweet and choose "Only followers" or "Only mentioned." This way, only people who meet the criteria can reply to your tweets, while others can only view or retweet them.

④ Delete or recall unwanted tweets

If you feel that certain tweets are outdated or unsuitable for the public, you can delete or recall them. To delete or recall a tweet, you need to go to X (Twitter), find the tweet you want to delete or recall, click the "More" icon in the bottom-right corner, and select the "Delete" or "Recall" option.

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On X (Twitter), you can control your privacy by setting your account to private, muting or block unwanted accounts, deleting or recalling your posts, and more. However, these methods cannot fully guarantee your privacy and security. Some accounts may track or monitor your activities through other means, some ISPs or government agencies may collect or scrutinize your online data, and hackers or malware may steal or compromise your personal information. Therefore, you need a more powerful, reliable, and convenient tool to protect your online privacy and security, and that's where MetroVPN comes in.

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