Blacklist vs. Blocklist — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 3, 2024
Blacklist refers to a list of entities denied a particular privilege, service, or recognition; blocklist is a modern, neutral term with the same function, aiming to avoid racially sensitive language.
Difference Between Blacklist and Blocklist
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The term "blacklist" is used to denote a list of individuals, organizations, or countries barred from certain activities or privileges, while "blocklist" is a more contemporary term that serves the same purpose but avoids potential racial connotations.
Blacklists are commonly used in contexts like email to prevent spam, whereas blocklists perform the same function but under a more neutral name, reflecting a shift in language sensitivity.
In cybersecurity, blacklists help protect systems by denying access to known harmful entities; blocklists follow the same principle but with a focus on using language that is clear of historical or cultural biases.
The use of "blacklist" can sometimes be viewed as pejorative, which has prompted some organizations and industries to adopt "blocklist" to describe their practices of exclusion or denial more neutrally.
The evolution from "blacklist" to "blocklist" illustrates a broader movement in many professional and technical fields toward more inclusive and thoughtful language choices.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A list of persons or entities to be avoided or excluded.
A list of persons or entities to be blocked or excluded, used interchangeably with blacklist in many contexts.
Connotation
Historically negative, potentially racially insensitive.
Neutral, avoids racial or cultural insensitivity.
Usage Contexts
Cybersecurity, email filtering, social sanctions.
Same as blacklist, but preferred in modern usage for its neutrality.
Purpose
To exclude or deny services or recognition to those listed.
Identical to blacklist, with a focus on neutral terminology.
Cultural Relevance
Traditional term, widely recognized and used.
Emerging term, reflects current trends towards more inclusive language.
Compare with Definitions
Blacklist
Used to denote prohibition within various contexts, like transactions.
This company is blacklisted from trading with our firm.
Blocklist
A neutral term for a list of entities barred from certain actions or services.
The email server uses a blocklist to filter out spam.
Blacklist
A list of entities restricted from certain privileges due to trustworthiness concerns.
He was blacklisted from the club due to past misconduct.
Blocklist
Reflects modern sensitivity to language in policy and business.
The company refers to its exclusion practices as blocklisting.
Blacklist
Can refer to social or professional ostracism.
The actor was blacklisted by several studios.
Blocklist
Emerging as a standard term in many industries.
More organizations are adopting the term blocklist in their official communications.
Blacklist
Often used in IT to describe domains or IP addresses barred from access.
The firewall automatically blacklists suspicious IP addresses.
Blocklist
Used in technology to prevent access or services without implying prejudice.
Our software updates the blocklist daily to maintain security.
Blacklist
Historically associated with exclusion practices.
During the Cold War, many writers were blacklisted for their political beliefs.
Blocklist
Applies in contexts requiring fairness and impartiality.
The blocklist is regularly reviewed to ensure it is up-to-date and fair.
Blacklist
A list of persons or organizations that have incurred disapproval or suspicion or are to be boycotted or otherwise penalized.
Blocklist
(computing) A list of websites or other material to be blocked.
Every time I get spam in my inbox, I add the sender to my blocklist.
Blacklist
A list of email addresses, IP addresses, domains, or keywords, that are expressly blocked by an email account.
Blocklist
(computing) A list or set of people or entities to be shunned or banned.
Blacklist
To place on or as if on a blacklist.
Blocklist
(transitive) To place on a blocklist; to mark a person or entity as one to be blocked
Blacklist
A list or set of people or entities to be shunned or banned.
The software included a lengthy blacklist of disreputable websites to block.
Blacklist
(transitive) To place on a blacklist; to mark a person or entity as one to be shunned or banned.
You can blacklist known spammers with that button.
Blacklist
A list of people who are out of favor
Blacklist
Put on a blacklist so as to banish or cause to be boycotted;
Many books were blacklisted by the Nazis
Common Curiosities
Are blacklists only used in technology?
No, blacklists are used in various sectors including business, entertainment, and security.
What is the main purpose of a blacklist or blocklist?
Both are used to prevent access or services to listed entities, often for security reasons.
How do organizations decide who goes on these lists?
Decisions are usually based on criteria such as past behavior, security risks, or regulatory compliance.
Can someone or something be removed from a blacklist or blocklist?
Yes, removal is possible typically through proving trustworthiness or correcting misunderstandings.
Are these lists public?
Some lists, like those used for email filtering, are public, but others, especially in corporate or security contexts, may be confidential.
Why is the term "blocklist" preferred over "blacklist"?
"Blocklist" is preferred for its neutrality and avoidance of racially sensitive implications.
What can trigger the addition of an entity to a blocklist?
Inclusion can be triggered by activities deemed harmful or risky to others, such as spamming or phishing.
What are the alternatives to using a blacklist or blocklist?
Alternatives include more dynamic models like scoring systems that assess risk behavior over time rather than outright exclusion.
Is there a legal implication to being on a blacklist?
Being on a blacklist can have legal implications, especially if it restricts business opportunities or access to services.
How often are blocklists updated?
Blocklists in cybersecurity are updated frequently to respond to new threats.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
