X is officially rolling out its controversial blocking feature: Here is what has changed

Social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has officially rolled out an updated and somewhat controversial version of its blocking feature. This tool, designed to give users greater control over their interactions on the platform, has undergone modifications that significantly change how users can limit engagement with other accounts.
The blocking feature on X enables users to restrict certain accounts from engaging directly with them. When an account is blocked, it can no longer follow, like, reply to, repost, or direct message to the person who blocked it. However, if a user’s posts are set to public, blocked accounts can still view their posts but won’t be able to interact with them. If posts are set to protected, only approved followers can see them, so blocked accounts are completely restricted from viewing them.
One of the most notable changes in this update is that blocked accounts no longer receive direct notifications indicating they’ve been blocked. However, if a blocked user attempts to visit the profile of the account that blocked them, they will see a notice confirming they are blocked. This differs from the “mute” feature, which also limits engagement but is invisible to the muted account.
Additionally, posts from blocked accounts no longer appear on a user’s timeline. However, posts mentioning a blocked account, or posts from other users that tag a blocked account, may still appear if the blocking user follows the person’s posting. Users can manage notifications from blocked accounts by searching for specific mentions, but they won’t automatically receive notifications from blocked accounts or from accounts they don’t follow when mentioned in conversations started by a blocked account.
To block an account, users can either click the three-dot icon on a post by the account or go directly to the account’s profile page. From there, users simply select “Block” and confirm. If the user decides to unblock the account, they can revisit the blocked account’s profile, select the “Blocked” button, and confirm to unblock. Notably, unblocking an account does noat automatically re-follow them; both users would need to follow each other again.
This updated blocking feature is now live, and X encourages users to explore other options like muting to enhance their platform experience, especially if blocking feels too restrictive. These changes come as X continues to evolve its tools for online interactions, aiming to balance user safety and flexibility in communication.