X updates block button functionality, allowing blocked accounts to view public posts even after being blocked. This change was recently spotted by independent app researcher Nima Owji, and Elon Musk confirmed it on Monday. While blocked accounts will still not be able to engage with users who have blocked them, they will now be able to see those users’ public posts.
Musk said, “The block function will block that account from engaging, but not block seeing public posts.” Previously, blocked accounts saw a “You’re blocked…” message when trying to view the account. With this new system, blocked users will no longer receive this message but will still face restrictions on engaging, reposting, or quoting content.
These changes remove the current workaround where blocked users could log out to see public posts. Musk believes the adjustment is long overdue. X will soon remove the loophole, making blocked posts visible to users without needing to log out.
This isn’t the first time X (formerly Twitter) has changed its block feature. Nearly a decade ago, Twitter made a similar update but quickly reversed it due to user backlash. Today’s change is less drastic, as blocked accounts will still be unable to engage, though the ability to view posts might concern some users.
Social media users often use the block feature to protect themselves from harassment or unwanted attention. While engagement restrictions will remain in place, this update softens the barriers users previously relied on for distancing themselves from harmful accounts.
