Elon Musk controversially decides to remove block feature on X

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
19 Aug 2023 12:50

Musk's decision to remove or limit the block feature might contradict guidelines incorporated by Apple's App Store and Alphabet's Google Play, in turn creating further conflict.

A partially completed "X" sign rests atop the company headquarters, formerly known as Twitter, in downtown San Francisco, on Friday, July 28, 2023 (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), owner Elon Musk stated that the platform will remove a feature that allows users to block other accounts and restrict contact, viewing posts, or following.

"Block is going to be deleted as a 'feature', except for DMs," he said, referring to direct messages, adding that the mute function, which screens users from seeing specified accounts but does not notify the other account, will be kept.

Block is going to be deleted as a “feature”, except for DMs
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 18, 2023

However, the SpaceX owner's decision to remove or limit the block feature might contradict guidelines incorporated by Apple's (AAPL.O) App Store and Alphabet's (GOOGL.O) Google Play, since Apple states that user-content-generated apps must have the block feature against abusive users, while Google Play Store says an in-app system for blocking user-generated content must be a requirement in apps.

Anti-bullying activist Monica Lewinsky took to X to keep the "critical tool to keep people safe online" to which Chief Executive Linda Yaccarino said: "Our users' safety on X is our number one priority. And we're building something better than the current state of block and mute. Please keep the feedback coming".

Our users’ safety on X is our number one priority. And we’re building something better than the current state of block and mute. Please keep the feedback coming. https://t.co/ekIvyOhRqQ
— Linda Yaccarino (@lindayaX) August 19, 2023

Musk has previously done some editing to X's policies when it was Twitter, such as Twitter Support announcing last month that an imposition on daily limits on the number of direct messages from unverified accounts would be enforced to cut down on spam and simultaneously encourage users to sign up for TwitterBlue for unrestricted access to messaging.

He also pledged this month that he would pay the legal bills to anybody who got into complications at work for something they had liked or posted on X: noting that there would be no limit for the funds.

"If you were unfairly treated by your employer due to posting or liking something on this platform, we will fund your legal bill," Musk said.