Blocked users on X can still view posts in latest update

X(Twitter) is gearing up to change how its block button functions. Soon, when you block an account, that person will still be able to view your public posts.

The ability to block other users has been a staple feature of social media since the MySpace era of 2006. However, the effectiveness of this tool is now in question - on X.

Elon Musk confirmed these upcoming changes to X's 400 million users in a post on X, explaining that while blocked accounts won’t be able to interact with users who have blocked them, they will still be able to see posts.

Musk has been outspoken about his disapproval of the block feature, claiming it “makes no sense” and should be replaced by a stronger form of muting. Last year, he even hinted at removing the ability to block users entirely, except for in direct messages.

While there has always been a workaround that allowed blocked users to easily log out and still view the public posts of the account, X seems poised to make that loophole even easier.

This isn’t the first time Twitter, or X, has toyed with its blocking feature. In 2013, the platform briefly introduced changes that allowed blocked users to see, follow, and engage with accounts that had blocked them. That update was swiftly reversed after users voiced their concerns. However, this time around, X seems to be taking a more measured approach. While blocked users will be able to see posts, they will still be restricted from interacting with them—no reposting, replying, or quoting.

Still, the softened barriers raise concerns about harassment and abuse. Many users rely on blocking to protect themselves from harassers, abusers, or stalkers, and the prospect of giving bad actors continued visibility into their lives could be unsettling.

For those who feel vulnerable, the only surefire way to avoid being seen by those they’ve blocked will be to set their profiles to private. While this offers the highest level of privacy, it also severely limits engagement with new followers and the broader public—an unfortunate trade-off for those trying to grow their presence on the platform.

Beyond user privacy, Musk’s decision could have legal and operational consequences. Both Apple’s App Store and Google Play have strict policies requiring apps with user-generated content to offer mechanisms for blocking abusive users. Failure to comply with these guidelines could result in X being removed from major app stores.

This shift is just the latest in a series of radical changes Musk has implemented since taking over X. From removing users’ ability to see each other’s “Likes” to overhauling content moderation. But unlike changes aimed at boosting user engagement, attracting advertisers or driving X's "everything app" plan, this update seems more personal—perhaps a reflection of Musk’s long-standing disdain for the block feature itself.

As of now, there is no confirmed timeline for when these changes will take effect, nor is it clear how users will respond. What’s certain is that Musk’s vision for X continues to push the boundaries of conventional social media platforms, often in ways that leave both users and industry experts guessing.