On Sept. 26, X designer Andrea Conway announced changes allowing users to see if their accounts are “labeled.” The change ends so-called shadowbans on the platform.
Commentators argue this change will improve trust and transparency on Elon Musk’s social media platform.
A more open X
A significant improvement in transparency standards on X will keep users informed when its moderators label their accounts unfavorably.
On Tuesday, X designer Andrea Conway shared an apparent mock graphic of the new feature, which, for the moment, is still pending.
Going by the graphic that Conway shared with her 45,000 followers, users will receive an alert when moderators label it.
“We’ve added a label to your account, which may impact its reach,” reads the alert.
Labels apply if the account “potentially contains sensitive media,” including “graphic, violent, nudity, sexual behavior, hateful symbols, or other sensitive content.”
The notice adds, “We may cover your posts with a warning so people who don’t want to see sensitive content can avoid it. The reach of your account and its content may also be restricted, such as being excluded from the For You and Following timelines, recommended notifications, trends, and search results.”
Conway added that the “copy and UI [user interface] details are not final.”
Conway went on to clarify that the feature will “verylikelyalmostdefinitely [sic] be accessible outside notifications,” although the final details and implementation are still being worked on.
starting transparency somewhere pic.twitter.com/QUNKga1t4I
— Andrea Conway (@ehikian) September 26, 2023
Musk’s promise soon fulfilled
The update from Conway confirms that X is fulfilling a Musk promise dating back to December of last year.
“Twitter is working on a software update that will show your true account status, so you know clearly if you’ve been shadowbanned, the reason why, and how to appeal,” said Musk on Dec. 9, 2022.
In August, Musk reiterated the firm’s commitment to this policy, saying it was a “high priority” for the firm.
Judging by the community response to Conway’s X prototype, the feature is a hit in the making.
Popular crypto influencer Alex Finn (NFT God) said, “I truly believe added transparency is the MOST IMPORTANT feature coming to X.”
Musk has announced a long list of features he hopes to see on the platform in the near future as he aims to make X the “everything app.”
According to Finn, transparency ranks higher on the list of users’ priorities than voice calls, monetization, and live streaming.
and then