In a significant move towards enhancing user privacy, X (formerly known as Twitter) has started making likes private for all users. This change aims to protect individuals from potential backlash over their liked posts, a feature that previously could be viewed by anyone.
New Privacy Features for Likes
The X Engineering account announced that while users will still be able to see the posts they’ve liked, others will no longer have access to this information. Authors of posts will retain their like counters and will be able to see who has liked their content, but detailed lists of likes on others’ posts will no longer be available.
Rationale Behind the Change
Elon Musk, Owner and Executive Chairman of X, emphasized the importance of this update, stating that it allows people to like posts without fear of being attacked. This move is expected to encourage more genuine engagement on the platform by providing a safer space for users to express their preferences.
Reactions and Implications
The reaction to this change has been mixed:
- Creators and Paying Users: Some creators and paying users expressed dissatisfaction, as the inability to track post engagement in detail could hinder their strategies. They also raised concerns about potential platform manipulation through paid likes.
- General Users: Many users welcomed the change, appreciating the enhanced privacy and the freedom to like content without fear of harassment.
Impact on X’s Revenue
This feature was previously a part of the platform’s premium subscription, and making it available to all users could diminish one of the incentives for the paid tier. X experienced a significant revenue decline in 2023 and attempted to counter this with a paid subscription model. The long-term financial impact of this privacy change remains to be seen.
This shift towards greater privacy marks a notable change in X’s approach to user engagement, aiming to create a more secure and respectful online environment. Stay tuned for further updates on how this will affect both user experience and platform dynamics.
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