X Implements New Privacy Measure: Users Can No Longer See Who Likes Their Posts

In a significant update, X, formerly known as Twitter, announced it will hide the identities of users who like posts. This change was revealed through an in-app alert and updates from X CEO Elon Musk and the official X engineering account. According to the company, the new feature aims to enhance user privacy on the platform.

Under the new system, users will still see the like count on their posts within their notifications but will no longer be able to see who specifically liked their content. While users can continue to review posts they've liked under the “likes” tab on their profiles, the ability to identify who liked each post will be removed. Importantly, the functionality to like other users' content remains unchanged.

Enhancing User Privacy

This move is part of a broader effort by Musk and his team to transform the platform since Musk acquired it in 2022. The shift towards greater privacy comes amidst a backdrop of numerous changes, including the introduction of a paid tier offering subscribers additional features such as more direct messages and the coveted blue check mark, which now often requires a subscription fee. Recently, X also made headlines by officially allowing adult content, a shift from its previously more relaxed, unofficial stance on explicit material.

Context of the Change

The focus on privacy, particularly regarding likes, may seem perplexing at first glance. However, it can be understood better in the context of past incidents where high-profile individuals faced backlash for liking controversial or inappropriate content. For example, in 2017, an account associated with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) liked a sexually explicit tweet, leading to a public relations debacle where Cruz attributed the incident to a staffer's mistake. Such incidents have prompted many public figures to include disclaimers in their profiles, stating that "likes and retweets aren’t endorsements."

Implications and Reactions

The change has sparked a range of reactions from X users. Privacy advocates applaud the move, citing it as a step towards better protecting user anonymity and reducing potential embarrassment or controversy. Critics, however, argue that it reduces transparency and could diminish the sense of community on the platform.

By implementing this feature, X continues to evolve in response to user needs and the broader digital landscape, where privacy concerns are increasingly paramount. As the platform navigates these changes, users and observers alike will be watching closely to see how these adjustments impact the overall user experience and the dynamics of social media interactions on X.