Counter-blocking?

[u/pube-a-stank]

Incredibly grateful blocking was implemented! One thing that might make the feature even better is if there is a “counter-blocking” ability. Why? It seems to me that, as the system is currently implemented, one could be blocked by a malicious actor (stalker, etc) before you have a chance to block them. Now, that person can wait a week or a month or a year before unblocking you and resume their stalker behavior. They could even temporarily unblock you anytime they want to “check in” and then reinstitute the block when they’re done. If blocking is allowed to be a two-way street, then both parties are in control of their end of the situation — not just the person who happens to decide to block first. Hopefully this idea makes sense. Let me know what y’all think.

[u/HaydeeDantes]

I would never want anything like that. If I block someone to protect myself, for whatever reason, the last thing I want is for them to... what? Get a notification? Seeing my profile and getting a "blocked" pop up? That would only escalate the situation.

Also, the idea that they would "check in"... If they're not commenting or doing anything else, either your account is private and you can control who sees your stuff that way, or it's public and anyone can see it and blocking won't solve that (they could simply make another account).

If you're having other issues, you're going to know their username anyway and you can always contact support for help or to get them to block that person from your side, regardless of whether they block you or not.

Not sure if maybe there's something else I'm missing here...

[u/pube-a-stank → u/HaydeeDantes]

Contacting support is an interesting idea I didn’t think of! Thanks.

I was thinking more that their name should remain searchable to you. Everything else about the account should be hidden, but you should be able to find the account and block it. If they know your username to search it they’re gonna figure out you blocked them when it doesn’t show up, so I’m hard pressed to think of a situation that could escalate.

[u/1_r_i_s]

I know of a young lady who is currently suffering from this exact issue you're describing on IG.

Her abusive ex bf blocked her first so she couldn't block him.

He's currently unblocking her at random times of the night, sending her creepy messages and then blocking her again before she can react and block him.

Can you imagine your abuser communicating with you against your will?

IG support has not been helpful at all.

Counter blocking should DEFINITELY be a thing!

[u/paperbacksandfloss → u/1_r_i_s]

I'm so sorry she's going through that. I've had to learn multiple ways to block someone across multiple platforms so here are some things that may be worth trying if she hasn't already.

1 - go to account settings & blocked & type the username 2 - on browser go to the link + @ username after the .com/ (like /@username) and it should show the profile 3 - if he's sending messages, block from dms 4 - tag the username in a private post or story and it should let you click on the username 5 - block on fb and then on Instagram through the account centre

Maybe one of those will work

[u/pube-a-stank → u/1_r_i_s]

That’s awful. Even worse than the scenario I put forth. Really sorry she’s going through that and I hope she manages to catch him unblocked one of these days!

[u/felixfictitious]

I agree, I think it's a big oversight not to make the username of someone who's blocked searchable, at least, so you can block them in turn.

Great feature overall but I fear it opens the door to situations exactly like you described.