What's happened
Elon Musk's recent decision to modify the block feature on X (formerly Twitter) has sparked significant backlash. Users will no longer be able to prevent blocked accounts from viewing their public posts, raising concerns about user safety and harassment. This change follows a trend of increasing toxicity on the platform since Musk's acquisition.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Anthony Cuthbertson in The Independent, Musk stated that the block function was outdated, claiming it 'makes no sense' and should be removed. This sentiment was echoed by users who expressed fears about increased harassment, with one user stating, 'I don’t want the creeps I’ve blocked seeing my posts at all.' Meanwhile, Tom Sanders from Metro highlighted that the change could be a strategy to ensure advertisements reach all users, further complicating the issue of user privacy and safety. The Independent also noted that the update aligns with a troubling rise in hate speech on the platform since Musk's takeover, with reports indicating a significant increase in racist and anti-Semitic content. This juxtaposition of Musk's intentions and user concerns illustrates the conflicting perspectives surrounding the platform's evolving policies.
How we got here
Since Elon Musk acquired X in 2022, the platform has undergone numerous changes, including a rise in hate speech and harassment. The latest update to the block feature has been met with widespread criticism, particularly from users concerned about their safety.
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Elon Reeve Musk FRS is an engineer, industrial designer, technology entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is the founder, CEO, CTO and chief designer of SpaceX; early investor, CEO and product architect of Tesla, Inc.; founder of The Boring Company; co-foun