Elon Musk’s X has implemented a controversial change to the block function that was first announced in September, Engadget has confirmed. The update allows blocked users to see posts from the accounts that blocked them, while still not being able to interact with those accounts.
For the first time since 2014, I was able to see posts from William Shatner, who at the time had blocked Engadget reporters en masse (why, Bill?). At the same time, X displays a message beneath Shatner’s pinned post that says “You can see public posts from @WilliamShatner, but you are blocked from engaging with them. You also cannot follow or message @WilliamShatner.” Previously, X only displayed the “You are blocked” message, while no tweets, replies, or other content was shown.
X previously said the change was being made because users could already see and interact with accounts that have blocked them by switching to a non-blocked account. X also said the blocking it previously implemented could be used to share and hide harmful or private information about people they have blocked, so the new feature allows for “greater transparency.”
However, experts in social media abuse say the changes help stalkers and trolls while undermining the safety of their victims. Last month, London Victims Commissioner Claire Waxman wrote, “Allowing blocked users to see posts is intended to gratify abusers and stalkers, promoting and facilitating their behaviour.”
Users have pointed out that X’s blocking changes may go against rules on the iOS and Google Play app stores. For example, Apple states in its developer terms of service that any app with user-generated content must provide “the ability to block abusive users from the service.” However, the block button still technically exists, so it’s unclear what Apple and Google will do.
Some people are voting with their feet, with alternative platforms like BlueSky and Threads gaining users and popularity over the past few months. Threads announced today that it has achieved 275 million monthly active users (MAUs) — an increase of 75 million over the past three months.
It was quite a challenge, as the landscape was filled with countless contenders. As expected, most of the things we saw at this CES had an AI component, with notable growth in AR glasses, hearing aid earbuds, solar-powered technology, robot vacuums, and even emotional support robots. (Apparently people really like robovacs that can pick up socks.) Our team also saw more growth in technology designed to improve the lives of people with disabilities and mobility issues.
As many new variations on traditional tech as we saw, like laptops, TVs, and soundbars, we also saw some pretty weird off-beat tech at the show. And we were pleasantly surprised to see that some of the recently announced CES 2025 products are actually already available for sale or preorder.