The disruption of an online service or particular parts of a service.
Commentary:
- As a feature, a user can have the ability to “block” the exposure of their content to other user(s) on the platform, or conversely, eliminate or reduce their own contact with certain content or users. Reasons for this may include a past history of harassment or simply because a user doesn’t want to see a particular type of content.
- Depending on the nature of the service and the exact scope of features included as part of the user blocking function, a block may disable other features, such as preventing the blocked user from seeing the blocker’s account profile or other associated information.
- Blocking may also refer to the scenario where a government or internet service provider disables access to certain services within its borders or service area, respectively.