X, the platform formerly known as Twitter and owned by Elon Musk, announced a change to its blocking feature that is sparking controversy among users. According to the announcement, Blocked accounts will be able to continue to see public posts, although you won’t be able to interact with them directly. This modification has caused a wave of criticism and concern from those who value control over their content and, above all, their privacy on the platform.
What does changing the lock function in X imply?
Until now, the blocking feature allowed users to completely exclude others, preventing them from seeing or interacting with their posts. However, with the new policy, If the posts are public, blocked accounts will still be able to see them, although they are not able to respond or interact in any way. This change caused concern, as many users believe that the ability to block certain people from accessing their content was one of the main reasons for using blocking.
The Privacy Dilemma in Public Accounts
The main problem pointed out by critics of this measure is that it forces users to make a decision, make your account private or allow blocked people to continue accessing your content. This change creates a dilemma for those who prefer to keep their profiles open and visible to the general public, but without allowing problematic people or harassers access to their posts.
For many, blocking someone is not only about preventing direct interaction, but also about protecting their privacy and prevent certain people from having access to your information, opinions or activities on the platform. The fact that these people can now continue to see your posts, even if they cannot interact, significantly dilutes the power of the block and reduces the feeling of security.
Is silencing enough?
The mute option, offered by X for years, allows you to not see the publications of an account without having to block it. However, many users find this option insufficient in certain cases, such as harassment or inappropriate comments. In these scenarios, blocking is considered a more powerful tool that not only protects the user from unwanted contact but also prevents their content from being consumed by unwanted people.
With this new policy, the locking function becomes less effective and creates uncertainty about the level of control users can actually exercise over their experience on the platform.
Privacy and harassment on social networks
Online harassment is a growing problem on social media, and tools like blocking have played a key role in tackling it. protect users from unwanted interactions. With this change, the platform could reduce one of the most significant obstacles that many consider necessary to ensure their well-being in an increasingly aggressive digital environment.
While it is true that taking a screenshot of a blocked public account is still possible through third parties, making it easier to access posts from blocked accounts generates more insecurity for those who want to control their privacy on this network. Many users believe that this change does not bring clear benefits and that, on the contrary, it could encourage undesirable dynamics such as passive monitoring of accounts despite being blocked.
The future of privacy in X
This change in the blockade policy put the tension between private life and public visibility on social networks. For many, the idea of keeping their accounts public but secure is fading, and they may be forced to make their profile private to protect themselves.
The decision to change the block on X also raises questions about the direction the platform will take in terms of user control and protection. As other networks strengthen their privacy policies, This change seems to be going in the opposite direction, limit the tools users have to manage their experience on the platform.
