X changing settings to allow blocked users to see posts but not interact with them

ISTANBUL

In an upcoming rules change, users on X will be able to see posts from users who blocked them, but will not be able to interact with the posts, as in liking, replying, and reposts, the social media platform announced.

"Soon we’ll be launching a change to how the block function works. If your posts are set to public, accounts you have blocked will be able to view them, but they will not be able to engage (like, reply, repost, etc.)," said an official X account Thursday.

The statement noted that currently, the block system can be used by X users to share and hide harmful or private information about those they have blocked before.

With the update, "Users will be able to see if such behavior occurs,” thus “allowing for greater transparency," it added.

Users worried about who might see their posts were advised to hide their accounts entirely.

Change would break rules, some argue

But some users complained that X's change could violate the terms and conditions of the App Store and Google Play.

Among the terms and conditions of these platforms is the requirement that social media apps offer users the ability to filter out harassment or bullying.

However, the platforms have not yet commented on the issue.

X tried a similar policy in 2013, when it was Twitter, in which blocked users were given the opportunity to see and interact with others' posts, but backtracked within hours due to a backlash.