X’s new policies spark concerns over user safety, prompting half a million sign-ups on the rival platform Bluesky.

In a remarkable shift within the social media landscape, Bluesky, the decentralised social platform, announced an influx of 500,000 new users in a single day. This surge comes amid a series of controversial changes at X (formerly Twitter), which many users have deemed unwelcome.

One significant change rolled out by X involves its block feature. Users were recently informed via a pop-up that their posts would now be visible to accounts they had previously blocked. While these blocked users will still be unable to interact with posts, the alteration raises serious concerns about user safety and privacy. Critics argue that this modification could expose users to potential harassment, undermining the very purpose of the block function.

An official X account explained the rationale behind the update, stating, “Today, the block can be used by users to share and hide harmful or private information about those they’ve blocked. Users will be able to see if such behavior occurs with this update, allowing for greater transparency.” However, for many, the concept of transparency falls flat when it risks the safety of those who utilise blocking as a crucial tool to mitigate harassment or unwanted interactions.

Elon Musk, the CEO of X, has previously expressed scepticism about the effectiveness of the block feature, indicating a broader shift in policy that could alienate users who rely on it. Following the announcement, Bluesky quickly seized the moment to attract new users, leveraging the discontent felt by X’s user base.

Meanwhile, X is also facing backlash over updated terms of service that raise alarm bells regarding user data. The revisions state that users consent to X analysing their text and information for training its machine learning and artificial intelligence models. This clause, which did not exist as of October 9, has ignited fears regarding data privacy and the potential misuse of personal information.

In addition, the new terms stipulate that any disputes with the company will be resolved in the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas. This court is notably presided over by a judge with ties to Musk, raising questions about impartiality in legal matters involving X.

The new terms of service are set to take effect on November 15, but the reaction from users and advocacy groups has been swift and critical. X did not respond to requests for comment on the rising user dissatisfaction or the changes in their policies.

In this turbulent environment, rival platforms like Bluesky are capitalising on X’s missteps, as users seek safer and more transparent social media experiences. The ongoing shifts in user sentiment could signal a broader trend away from established platforms in favour of alternatives that prioritise user autonomy and data privacy.