# Soon Blocked X Users Can View Your Posts: Essential Information
In a decision that is generating both intrigue and unease, X (previously known as Twitter) is enhancing its block feature, enabling blocked users to access public posts. While this modification seeks to rectify specific gaps, it also provokes major inquiries regarding privacy, harassment, and the overall user engagement on the platform.
## Essential Information
– **Blocked individuals will still access public content**: X is revamping its block feature, permitting blocked users to see public posts, albeit without the capability to interact with them.
– **The modification addresses a loophole**: Previously, users could circumvent blocks by using alternative accounts, which allowed them to view and interact with content from profiles that had blocked them. This update is intended to close that gap.
– **Worries about harassment**: Although blocked users cannot interact with posts, the potential to “lurk” raises alarms about harassment and stalking, leaving numerous users apprehensive.
## Revamping the Block Feature
The revelation of this update emerged when independent app researcher Nima Owji disclosed that X was set to alter its block mechanism. Elon Musk subsequently confirmed the modification, claiming it was “high time” for such a change. According to Musk, the block function will now restrict blocked users from interacting with posts, yet it won’t prevent them from viewing public content.
This adjustment signifies a major transition in managing privacy and interactions on X. Previously, blocking someone meant they were unable to see or engage with your content. Now, while blocked users won’t be able to reply, like, or share your posts, they will have the ability to view them if they are public.
## Addressing the Loophole
A key motivation behind this update is to eliminate a loophole that permitted users to sidestep blocks via alternative accounts. This flaw allowed blocked individuals to continue seeing and interacting with content from accounts that had blocked them. By permitting blocked users to view public posts while restricting their engagement capabilities, X strives to find a middle ground between transparency and privacy.
An insider at X informed *The Verge* that this update is part of an extensive initiative to ensure the platform remains accessible while simultaneously tackling concerns regarding harassment and abuse. Nonetheless, the modification has ignited a fervent discussion among users.
## Privacy Issues and Harassment
The capability for blocked users to still access public posts has sparked worries about privacy and harassment. Although they won’t be allowed to interact with posts, their ability to “lurk” has made many users uncomfortable. Some are concerned that this update might facilitate the actions of malicious users who could potentially stalk or harass individuals without direct engagement.
One user, ZubyMusic, shared their concerns on X, stating, “With all due respect, I think this is a bad idea. There are various reasons someone might prefer certain individuals not to easily view all their public posts. There are some REALLY bad actors on social media, sadly.”
This feeling is shared by many who fear that the update might hinder their ability to defend against online harassment. While the block feature will continue to limit interactions, the fact that blocked users can see posts could lead to more covert forms of harassment, such as stalking or surveilling a user’s activity without their awareness.
## The Development of the Block Feature
This isn’t the first time X has modified its block feature. In May, the platform rolled out an update that allowed users to view replies from accounts they had blocked. At that moment, X asserted that this alteration was essential to maintain the platform’s openness and align with its objective of promoting free speech.
Elon Musk has openly criticized the block feature, having previously remarked that blocking individuals “makes no sense” and suggesting that users should rely on muting instead. In August, he even hinted that the block feature might be eliminated completely. However, the backlash from users worried about harassment and privacy made X reconsider.
By permitting the block feature to persist while curtailing its capabilities, X is attempting to balance openness with user safety. The platform aims to uphold an environment that encourages free speech while also equipping users with resources to shield themselves from harassment.
## What Lies Ahead for X?
As X continues to evolve under Musk’s guidance, more changes are anticipated in the coming months. The block feature update is just one of numerous alterations aimed at enhancing the platform’s openness while addressing privacy and harassment issues.
Nevertheless, reactions to this change have been mixed. Some users value the effort to seal loopholes and preserve transparency, while others are apprehensive that allowing blocked users to see public posts may lead to more discreet forms of harassment.
For the time being, users must remain vigilant and evaluate how they manage their privacy settings on X. While the block feature will
