Social media company X, formerly known as Twitter, will remove a protective feature that lets users block other accounts, owner Elon Musk said on Friday in another controversial move for the company he bought last year.
The block function on X allows a user to restrict specific accounts from contacting them, seeing their posts or following them.
“Block is going to be deleted as a ‘feature’, except for DMs,” Musk said in a post on the platform, referring to direct messages.
The billionaire owner has described himself as a free speech absolutist, but some critics have said his approach is irresponsible. Researchers have found an increase in hate speech and antisemitic content on the platform since he took over, and some governments have accused the company of not doing enough to moderate its content.
Apple says apps with user-generated content must have the ability to block abusive users. Google Play Store says apps must provide an in-app system for blocking user-generated content and users.
X, Google and Apple did not immediately reply to requests for comment.
“Our users’ safety on X is our number one priority. And we’re building something better than the current state of block and mute. Please keep the feedback coming,” Yaccarino posted.
The company has said Musk would lead the product and engineering teams, while Yaccarino would lead all other teams, including legal and sales.
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Social media company X, formerly Twitter, will remove the block feature, except for direct messages, according to owner Elon Musk. This move has sparked controversy due to concerns about safety and moderation. Musk’s free speech stance has raised criticism, as hate speech and antisemitic content have increased on the platform. The decision might clash with guidelines set by Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store. X’s CEO, Linda Yaccarino, mentioned they are working on an improved solution and prioritize user safety.