Elon Musk announced “X” (formerly Twitter) plans to get rid of the block button on the platform, although it’s a tool for users to stay safe from online harassment and abuse. [1]

The block button — a common feature on major social media platforms — is a way that social media users protect themselves from abusers and harassers accessing or engaging with their content. Elon Musk’s plans to remove the block button poses a risk to survivors of violence everywhere.

Google and Apple products make up 99% of mobile devices in the U.S. [2] Through the Google Play and Apple App Store, these companies set terms and conditions that apps must follow and app developers must comply with to be available on Google or Apple devices. If Elon follows through with his plans to eliminate the block button, we need Apple and Google to hold true to their commitments to users and remove “X” from their app stores. Add your name: Tell Apple and Google to remove “X” from their app stores if Elon Musk eliminates the block button.

We know this isn’t the first time Musk has put “X” users at risk. This threat to remove the block feature comes after so many bad decisions to cut back protections and policies in place to keep people safe. We need Musk to understand that he can’t continue to get away with putting users at risk without consequences. Google and Apple can get him to reverse course by removing “X” from the app store if he removes the block feature.

Google’s own policies specifically require social media applications to have a block feature for content and users. Apple's policies are more vague, leaving room for interpretation as to whether users or the platform have the ability to use blocking. As long as they enjoy this gatekeeping power, Google and Apple have the responsibility to ensure apps hosted through their app stores give users the tools necessary to protect themselves from hate and harassment online. It only takes a few minutes to take action to stop Musk from harming users more than he has.

While we would be disappointed and definitely angry, we won’t be surprised if Elon Musk does make the decision to remove the block button. From reinstating Nazis and white supremacists to laying off 80% of his staff, Musk continually disregards the privacy, safety, and security of users.

We’re proud that we contributed to “X”’s loss of over half its top advertisers with our #StopToxicTwitter partners. But our work is far from over. Companies with app stores like Apple and Google shouldn’t hold all the power in holding platforms accountable, but right now they have a duty to act. Add your name and urge Apple and Google to block “X” from their app stores if Elon Musk removes blocking features.

These Big Tech CEOs may think they can act without consequences, but we’re watching them and fighting to keep our online communities safe and protected.

Thanks for speaking out,

P.S. Have you ever used the block feature on a social media platform? Reply to this email and let us know why we should preserve and protect this feature!

1. Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/08/18/musk-limits-twitter-block-button/

2. Stat Counter: https://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/mobile/worldwide/2021