The social network X, formerly known as Twitter, will remove the option that allows users to block other accounts, said owner Elon Musk in yet another controversial move at the company he purchased last year.
The blocking function on X allows a user to prevent certain accounts from contacting them, seeing their posts, or following them. – Blocking will be removed, except for DMs – Musk said in a post on the network, referring to direct messages.
He stated that X will retain the ‘mute’ function that prevents a user from seeing certain accounts, but unlike blocking, it does not alert the other account to that action.
The tech billionaire described himself as an advocate for free speech, but some critics say his approach is irresponsible.
Researchers have found an increase in hate speech and antisemitic content on the platform following his takeover, and some governments have accused the company of not doing enough to limit content.
Removing the blocking option could put X at odds with the guidelines of the Apple Store and Alphabet Google Play.
In response to a post by activist Monica Lewinsky, who urged X to retain ‘a key tool for the safety of people on the internet,’ CEO Linda Yaccarino defended Musk.
– User safety on X is our number one priority. We are developing something better than the blocking and ‘mute’ options. Feedback is welcome – Yaccarino posted.
