- Elon Musk announces X (formerly Twitter) will remove account blocking feature.
- Removal of block feature raises concerns about increased unwanted messages.
- Potential violation of app store guidelines may lead to X being delisted.
Elon Musk has announced that X, formerly known as Twitter, will no longer offer the option to block accounts except in direct messages (DMs), which has raised concerns about the platform potentially being removed from app stores.
Musk’s decision has sparked significant backlash on social media due to the elimination of the block feature, which serves as a safeguard against unwanted messages, spam, trolls, and online harassment for X users.
Furthermore, the removal of this feature could lead to X violating the guidelines of Google’s Play Store and Apple’s App Store, possibly resulting in the platform’s delisting.
The block feature holds importance for X users as it enables them to restrict specific accounts from contacting them, viewing their posts, or following them. This feature helps prevent bullying, stalking, and unwanted interactions.
Currently, Twitter users can block accounts to prevent them from following, viewing tweets, or engaging in interactions. This includes blocking the ability to tag the blocked user in photos and preventing direct messages from them.
Musk’s intention to eliminate the blocking feature would eliminate these user-friendly functionalities. He clarified that X will still allow blocking in DMs.
The removal of the blocking feature might lead X to violate app store regulations related to user-generated content (UGC).
Both Google’s Play Store and Apple’s App Store require apps that feature user-generated content to have mechanisms for moderation. This includes filtering objectionable content, blocking abusive users, and promptly addressing concerns about offensive material.
If X fails to adhere to these guidelines, it could risk being removed from app stores.