Elon Musk announced that the usual way of blocking users will be removed from the social network X (formerly Twitter). This may violate the terms set by the Apple App Store and Google Play for apps with user content.

Blocking is a tool that ensures certain X users are completely isolated from others: it prohibits them from communicating, viewing or subscribing to them in any way. These measures help prevent serious problems such as stalking, harassment and abuse that sometimes occur on online platforms.

A blocked user loses the ability to view their subscriber and follower lists, as well as the likes of the person who blocked them. A blocked user cannot be tagged in a photo or sent a private message.

All these functions in the X could disappear if, on the initiative of Elon Musk, the blocking of his traditional understanding stops working. “Blocking except private messages will be removed as a ‘feature'”– the billionaire reported on the social network and added: “Not meaningful”. This decision could have serious consequences for App X on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

App Store’s rules for apps with user-generated content, “Opportunities to block aggressive users on the service”, “a method of filtering unwanted material from the broadcast in the application”And “mechanism for reporting offensive content and responding to issues in a timely manner”. Similar rules apply on Google Play: the platform “internal system to block user-generated content and [самих] users”.

It is noteworthy that the X expert community intervened in Musk’s reasoning and drew attention to the fact that his attempt may be a violation of the rules in the App Stores. After some time, the businessman reported that along with the functionality to block personal messages, the platform will offer the ability to “mute” unwanted users – those who “mute” them will retain access to their profiles and other data, but those who “mute” them will no longer see their messages.