X officially launches controversial blocking feature: Here’s what’s changed

Social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has officially rolled out an updated and somewhat controversial version of its blocking feature. Designed to give users more control over their interactions on the platform, this tool has undergone changes that significantly change how users can limit interaction with other accounts.

The blocking feature in X allows users to restrict certain accounts from directly interacting with them. Once an account is blocked, they can no longer follow, like, reply, repost, or direct message the person who blocked them. However, if a user’s posts are set to public, blocked accounts can still view those posts but not interact with them. If posts are set as protected, only approved followers can see them, so blocked accounts are completely restricted from viewing them.

One of the most notable changes in this update is that blocked accounts no longer receive direct notification that they have been blocked. However, if a blocked user tries to visit the profile of the account that blocked them, they will see a notification confirming that they have been blocked. This is different from the “mute” feature, which also limits interaction but is not visible to the muted account.

Additionally, posts from blocked accounts no longer appear on the user’s timeline. However, posts that mention a blocked account or posts from other users who tag a blocked account may still appear if the blocked user follows the person’s post. Users can manage notifications from blocked accounts by searching for specific mentions, but they will not automatically receive notifications from blocked accounts or accounts they do not follow when they are mentioned in conversations started by a blocked account.

To block an account, users can click the three-dot icon on a post next to the account or go directly to the account’s profile page. From here, users simply select the “Block” option and confirm. If the user decides to unblock the account, they can revisit the blocked account’s profile, select the “Blocked” button and confirm the unblocking. Notably, unblocking an account does not automatically lead to the account being unfollowed again; both users must follow each other again.

This updated blocking feature is now live, and X encourages users to explore other options, such as muting, to enhance their platform experience, especially if blocking feels too restrictive. These changes come as X continues to improve its tools for online interactions, aiming to balance user security and flexibility in communication.