Update for X: Posts become visible for blocked persons

Critics argue that it is an important security feature. Blocked people cannot see any posts from the people who have blocked them. This is intended to prevent stress, arguments, bullying and other unwanted reactions. However, X is now releasing an update that reverses this invisibility.

Blocked people can then also see all posts – even if the person has blocked them. In the new setting, blocking means that people with blocked accounts can no longer reply or react and cannot follow the blocking person. Of course, direct messages are also taboo. Another new feature is that the list of people who have been followed will also remain publicly visible to everyone, writes X in a blog post.

Blocking on X against bullying, stalking and more

X justified the change by saying that it wanted to create more transparency. By making posts invisible, it was possible to write about the blocked person without them noticing. You can still switch your account completely to private. Then only authorized followers can see the posts. You can also mark your posts as "protected" and they will only be shown to followers. This means that it is still possible to write about others in a hidden manner despite the change.

This was announced some time ago. Criticism followed, as many are particularly concerned that stalkers could see posts that they should not. It would also make bullying easier, as people could respond to posts and criticize them. X owner Elon Musk wrote at the time that blocking public posts for individuals should "give way to a stronger form of muting."

Of course, it is also possible to open a new account once you have been blocked and follow the blocking person again. However, blocking at least makes it more difficult.

(emw)