X (Twitter) has provided features such as blocking and hiding to enhance user experience. While blocking restricts a specific user from accessing your profile and viewing your content (and vice versa), hiding is a more friendly option, enabling users to avoid seeing content from particular users without entirely blocking them.
Currently, on X, there are numerous spam accounts that mass-send various junk messages. For most users, the best practice is to block these accounts; otherwise, they may severely disrupt normal browsing.
Elon Musk recently posted a status update claiming that the blocking feature has no meaning, arguing that only the blocking function in private messaging is significant, as it prevents individuals from sending spam messages.
However, the removal of the blocking function could lead to users being bombarded with spam advertising, a situation that’s already prevalent. Even after blocking numerous accounts, users can still see replies from blocked users due to certain issues with X.
It’s unclear whether Musk is seriously considering removing this feature or simply making a casual statement. According to the rules of the Apple and Google stores, social media apps like X must provide the “ability to block abusive use of the service.” Therefore, deleting the blocking feature might violate AppStore and Google Play rules and risk being delisted by Apple and Google.
In the short term, this feature is likely to remain intact, but the future remains uncertain. After all, Apple has previously made exceptions for X, and it’s possible they may continue to do so.