The social media network X, previously known as Twitter, has introduced a new privacy setting that keeps user likes private. Elon Musk announced this update, aiming to allow users to express their preferences without concern about potential backlash.
Privacy Enhancements
With this update, individuals can see posts they’ve liked, but others cannot view who has liked a specific post anymore. This change is intended to protect public figures and ordinary users from criticism over liking certain content. Users will still receive notifications about the number of likes they get and other related metrics.
Important to allow people to like posts without getting attacked for doing so! https://t.co/3O1bG7wIGe
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 11, 2024
Until now, hiding the likes tab had been a benefit exclusive to X Premium subscribers. This privacy adjustment is now available to all users, which may lessen the appeal of the Premium service. As advertising revenue has decreased, X has introduced new subscription tiers: Premium+ at $16 per month, which is ad-free, and a $3 monthly tier that lacks the blue checkmark.
Financial Context and Future Prospects
The platform has faced financial challenges, with a drop in ad revenue last year. Opening up this privacy feature to all users might further affect subscription income but aligns with X’s broader focus on enhancing user privacy, potentially drawing more users over time.
This week we’re making Likes private for everyone to better protect your privacy.
– You will still be able to see posts you have liked (but others cannot).
– Like count and other metrics for your own posts will still show up under notifications.
– You will no longer see who…
— Engineering (@XEng) June 11, 2024
X’s senior software engineer, Enrique Barragan, explained that users can still see who has liked their posts along with the like counts on all posts or replies. However, users will not be able to see who liked other people’s posts or view liked tabs on others’ profiles. This update is designed to foster a more secure and private online environment.
Official Confirmation and Future Plans
The update announcement came via a tweet from X’s Engineering account, highlighting the platform’s dedication to user privacy. Haofei Wang, director of engineering at X, confirmed the decision by responding to a post, noting that many users are hesitant to like edgy content out of fear of trolling or damaging their public image. He also mentioned that the more content users like, the more refined the ‘For You’ algorithm will be for them.
Last Updated on November 7, 2024 7:40 pm CET
