X is rolling out a controversial update to its block feature, allowing blocked users to view your public posts, despite being blocked. This change has sparked backlash, with critics arguing that it compromises user safety by allowing blocked individuals to access their posts.
While blocked users still cannot follow, interact with, or send direct messages to the person who blocked them, the update has altered other restrictions. Previously, blocked users were unable to see the blocked person’s following or followers lists. X has now updated its support page, removing this reference and allowing blocked users to view these lists.
The platform justifies the change by stating that the block feature could be used to conceal harmful or private information, and that the new update aims to promote transparency. However, this reasoning has been met with skepticism, especially since X allows users to set their accounts to private.
This adjustment challenges the traditional use of the block feature. When X first revealed its plan to update it, many expressed concern that the change could lead to stalking and harassment. Tracy Chou, a software engineer and advocate for tech diversity, has developed an app to automate blocking, arguing that although users can bypass blocks by creating new accounts, adding friction is crucial.
"Making it easy for the creeper to creep is not a good thing," Chou commented in a post on X last month.