Micro blogging platform x (formerly Twitter) has announced the removal of its protective feature, which allowed users to block ‘unwanted’ accounts.
The announcement of this yet another controversial move Elon Musk on Friday who bought the company last year.
The ‘Block’ function on X allowed any user to block specific accounts from contacting them, viewing their posts or following them.
Elon Musk wrote in a post on the platform: ‘Block will be removed as a feature, except for DM (Direct Messages)’.
X will retain the ‘mute’ function that prevents a user from viewing certain accounts, but unlike ‘block’, it will not notify other accounts about it, he said.
The billionaire tycoon describes himself as a champion of free speech, but some critics say his behavior and approach are irresponsible.
Researchers say the platform has seen an increase in hateful and anti-Semitic content since Musk bought the company, while some governments have accused the company of not doing enough to reduce extremism in its content. Taking action.
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X’s move to remove or limit the block feature may conflict with the guidelines incorporated by the Apple Store and Alphabet’s Google Play.
Apple says that user-generated content-sharing apps must have a feature to block abusive users.
The Google Play Store says apps must provide a system to block user-generated content and users.
X, Google and Apple did not immediately respond to requests for comment on X’s new move.
Anti-harassment activist Monica Lewinsky has urged X to keep this key tool for keeping users safe online, prompting the company’s chief executive Linda Yacarino to defend Musk’s move.
In his post, he wrote: ‘The safety of our users at X is our top priority and we are building better features than ‘Block’ and ‘Mute’.’
Elon Musk will lead the product and engineering teams, while Linda Yacarino will lead all other teams, including legal and sales, the company said.
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#shutting #account #blocking #feature #Elon #Musk
**Interview with Social Media Expert Dr. Sarah Thompson on X’s Decision to Remove the ‘Block’ Feature**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Thompson. X, formerly known as Twitter, has recently announced the removal of the ‘Block’ feature for users. What are your thoughts on this significant change?
**Dr. Sarah Thompson:** Thank you for having me. This decision is quite alarming for many users. The ‘Block’ feature served as a crucial tool for individuals looking to curate their online experience and protect themselves from harassment or unwanted interactions. By removing this feature, X is potentially increasing users’ exposure to negative interactions.
**Interviewer:** Elon Musk claims that this move is part of his broader agenda to promote free speech. How do you see this alignment with free speech?
**Dr. Sarah Thompson:** While the intention behind promoting free speech is commendable, the implications of removing the ‘Block’ feature can be detrimental. Free speech should not come at the cost of personal safety or mental well-being. The balance between allowing diverse opinions and preventing harassment is delicate, and this shift may undermine that balance.
**Interviewer:** The ‘Mute’ function will still be available, which prevents notifications from certain accounts. Do you think this is an adequate alternative?
**Dr. Sarah Thompson:** The ‘Mute’ function does provide some level of control, but it lacks the assertiveness of the ‘Block’ feature. With ’Mute’, the silenced user remains unaware of being muted, which means that the person doing the muting may still see their posts. It’s a softer approach and may not offer enough protection for those who need to eliminate certain voices entirely.
**Interviewer:** There are concerns about rising levels of hate speech and targeted harassment since Musk’s takeover. How might the removal of the ‘Block’ feature exacerbate these issues?
**Dr. Sarah Thompson:** The removal of the ‘Block’ feature could indeed exacerbate these issues. Users who have faced harassment may feel even more vulnerable if they can’t block specific accounts. Studies have shown that exposure to hateful content can lead to negative impacts on mental health and overall user experience. Without the ability to block, users may choose to leave the platform altogether, which is detrimental both to them and to the platform’s ecosystem.
**Interviewer:** What advice would you give to users in light of this change?
**Dr. Sarah Thompson:** I would encourage users to proactively manage their online presence by utilizing the ‘Mute’ function more effectively and adjusting privacy settings to limit interactions. Joining communities that prioritize respectful discussions can also help mitigate exposure to unwanted content. Furthermore, it’s essential for users to voice their concerns to the platform, as user feedback can influence future policy decisions.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for providing your insights on this pressing topic.
**Dr. Sarah Thompson:** Thank you for having me! It’s crucial to continue the conversation about user safety and the responsibilities of social media platforms.
