Elon Musk plans to eliminate 'block users' from X

Elon Musk, the owner of the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), has announced plans to eliminate the capability to block users, except in direct messages, contending that this functionality lacked logical coherence. This decision was met with strong opposition, as a banner labeled "Community Notes" argued that such a move would contravene the policies set by Google Play Store and Apple for app developers. Nevertheless, the note highlighting policy breaches was subsequently taken down.

At present, an alternative to blocking is the option to mute accounts, although this action does not prevent muted users from engaging in discussions or engaging in trolling behavior towards followers. The commodification of the blue verification checkmark has led to the creation of tools that enable users to mass-block accounts possessing the blue checkmark. Musk did not specify a specific timeline for when this feature would be removed.

CNN recently reported that well-known brands like Adobe and Gilead Sciences withdrew their advertisements from X due to their connections with content that glorified Hitler and Nazism. In response, Gilead and NCTA suspended their advertising expenditures. Despite facing these challenges, X's CEO Linda Yaccarino is committed to reestablishing positive relationships with brands, even as Musk pledges to express his thoughts on the platform regardless of the impact on advertising revenue.

Amid these unfolding events, the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), a research organization dedicated to addressing hate speech, disclosed that it was being sued by Musk over its research into hate and disinformation on the X platform. The platform's advertising revenue has suffered a substantial decline, underscoring the urgency of rebuilding connections with prominent brands.