X to Modify Block Feature: Blocked Users Will Soon See Your Posts

X (formerly Twitter) is set to change how its block feature functions. This modification will allow blocked accounts to view public posts of users who have blocked them, while still restricting engagement.

Key Points:

• Blocked accounts will be able to see public posts of users who blocked them
• Engagement restrictions (replies, reposts, quotes) will remain in place
• Elon Musk confirmed the changes, stating it was “high time this happened”
• The update’s rollout date is yet to be announced

Independent app researcher Nima Owji first spotted the changes on X’s website. Elon Musk, X’s owner, later confirmed these modifications in a tweet on Monday.

“The block function will block that account from engaging with, but not block seeing, [a] public post,” Musk explained.

According to Owji, users may soon no longer see the “You’re blocked…” message when visiting an account that has blocked them. Instead, blocked users will be able to view public posts as any other user would.

While blocked users will gain visibility of posts, they will still face limitations in interacting with the accounts that have blocked them. This includes restrictions on:

• Reposting
• Quoting
• Replying
• Other forms of engagement

This isn’t the first time X (then Twitter) has attempted to modify its block feature. In 2013, Twitter made similar changes but quickly reversed them due to user backlash. The previous update allowed blocked users to see content, follow, and even engage with those who had blocked them, though these interactions were hidden from the blocking user.

The current update is less extreme, maintaining engagement restrictions while allowing visibility of public posts.

Some users may express concern about these changes, particularly those who use the block feature to distance themselves from harassers, abusers, or stalkers. The softening of these barriers could potentially impact user experience and perceived safety on the platform.

As of now, there’s no official announcement regarding when these changes will be implemented. Users and industry observers will be watching closely to see how this update affects the platform’s dynamics and user interactions.

This modification to X’s block feature represents a significant shift in how the platform balances user privacy with content accessibility. As social media continues to evolve, such changes highlight the ongoing challenges in managing user interactions and content visibility in the digital age.