What's happened
X (formerly Twitter) has announced changes to its blocking feature, allowing blocked users to view public posts while preventing engagement. Critics argue this could endanger users, particularly victims of harassment. The update has sparked significant backlash, raising concerns about user safety and privacy on the platform.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Kelsey Vlamis from Business Insider UK, the new blocking feature allows blocked users to see public posts, which has raised alarms among users concerned about safety. Critics, including Adam Dodge, founder of End Tech-Enabled Abuse, argue that this change could empower stalkers and harassers, making victims feel unsafe. Sam Courtney-Guy from Metro highlights that the only way to prevent someone from seeing posts is to deactivate public settings, which could limit visibility for legitimate users. Anthony Cuthbertson from The Independent notes that the backlash has been significant, with many users expressing discomfort at the idea of stalkers being able to view their posts. The overall sentiment across sources indicates a strong concern for user safety and privacy in light of these changes.
How we got here
The decision to alter the blocking feature follows Elon Musk's acquisition of X in 2022, which has seen various controversial changes. Users have expressed concerns about safety, particularly for vulnerable groups, as the platform has faced criticism for enabling harassment and hate speech.
Common question
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Ruba Borno, VP of Amazon Web Services, recently faced backlash for wearing a pendant that depicted both the Israeli and Palestinian flags in a promotional video. This incident has raised questions about the role of public figures in political discourse, especially during sensitive times. Below, we explore the implications of her actions and the broader context surrounding this controversy.
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What are the implications of X's new blocking policy for user safety?
X, the popular social media platform, has recently updated its blocking feature, allowing blocked users to view public posts. This change has ignited a significant backlash, raising questions about user safety and privacy. Many users are concerned about the potential risks associated with this new policy, especially for vulnerable groups. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this controversial update.
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