X Blocking Feature Update: Users Migrate to Bluesky

X (formerly Twitter) has updated its blocking feature, allowing blocked accounts to view public posts while restricting interaction. This change, initially hinted at by X owner Elon Musk in late September, was officially announced by the company. The updated policy has sparked a significant migration of users to Bluesky, a decentralized social media platform.

What Changed with X's Blocking Feature?

Previously, blocked accounts couldn't see any content from the account that blocked them. However, under the new policy, blocked accounts can view public posts from the blocking account. However, they cannot interact with those posts, meaning they cannot like, reply, repost, or engage in any other way.

This change is significant as it allows blocked accounts to remain aware of public content from accounts that have blocked them, although it limits their ability to engage. The X engineering team (@XEng) posted about the update on the platform.

Protecting Your Posts on X

It's important to note that this only applies to public posts. Users can choose to "protect" their posts, making them only visible to their followers. This can be useful if you want to maintain a level of privacy and control over who sees your content.

Here's how to protect your posts on X:

1. Open the X app and go to Settings.
2. Select Privacy and Security.
3. Click on Audience.
4. Enable the "Protect your Tweets" option.

Bluesky Sees Surge in Users

The updated blocking policy on X has directly influenced user migration to Bluesky. Within 12 hours of the announcement, Bluesky saw an influx of over 100,000 new users, which climbed to 500,000 within 24 hours. This rapid growth is attributed to users seeking a platform with different policies and features.

Bluesky's user base has experienced significant growth since its inception. In September 2024, the platform saw a surge in users following a period when X was blocked in Brazil, gaining approximately 3 million new users. This latest influx has helped Bluesky reach over 10 million users, up from 6 million in July 2024.

Why Users Are Migrating to Bluesky

The migration to Bluesky is fueled by several factors, including:

• Decentralized Platform: Bluesky is built on a decentralized network, meaning it's not controlled by a single entity, offering users more control and freedom.
• Different Blocking Policies: Bluesky's blocking features are distinct from X's. Unlike X, blocked accounts cannot view any content from the blocking account on Bluesky.
• Alternative to X: Many users are seeking alternatives to X due to concerns about its direction under Elon Musk's leadership. These concerns include changes to policies, content moderation, and user experience.

The Future of X and Bluesky

The impact of X's blocking feature update on the social media landscape is yet to be fully understood. The platform's future direction remains uncertain as it navigates changes under its new ownership. It remains to be seen whether X can retain users in the face of increasing competition from platforms like Bluesky.

The rise of Bluesky reflects a growing desire for decentralized, user-centric social media platforms. Whether this trend will continue and reshape the social media landscape remains to be seen, but the migration of users to Bluesky highlights the importance of user choice and control in the digital world.