Recently, the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has updated its blocking features, sparking discussions on privacy and safety among its user base. On Sunday, X unveiled a significant change to how blocking functions, which was initially hinted at last month.

Under the revised policy, individuals who have been blocked can now view the profiles, posts, and even the lists of followers and following of those who have blocked them. This development has raised concerns among many users, highlighting potential risks to personal safety and the increased possibility of content theft.

Traditionally, social media blocking prevents blocked individuals from accessing the blocker's profile, viewing their posts, reading their bio, or sending direct messages. However, X has now modified this approach. While blocked users still cannot reply, retweet, or like posts, they will have visibility over the blocker's profile and posts, and direct messaging remains off-limits.

The update also includes access to follower and following lists, a move that diminishes previous safety measures. X's Engineering team explained that the updated blocking feature aims to balance sharing and hiding sensitive or harmful information about blockees and increase transparency by allowing monitoring of such activities.

The response from X's community to these changes has been overwhelmingly negative. Users concerned about privacy and security, particularly those dealing with stalkers or at risk of content theft, find the updates problematic and feel forced to lock their accounts to maintain protection. Moreover, Tracy Chou, developer of the Block Party app, criticized the update, arguing that it facilitates easier access for potential predators, representing a step backward in user safety.