Updating our language

We are updating our 'whitelist' and 'blacklist' terminology. We believe that our commitment to being an inclusive company should be reflected in our actions, and our language.

How you use these features will remain exactly the same, but 'Whitelist' will now be known as 'Allowlist' and 'Blacklist' will now be known as 'Blocklist'

We're aware that there is debate over the racial history of these terms. However, though subtle, these terms are a reflection of our cultural habit to associate desirable things with "white", and undesirable things with "black". That is why language matters: it is the lens through which we interpret the world.

Of course, this does very little to resolve the much wider issue of racism, but it is up to all of us to do what we can, no matter how little.

But we're not just doing this. Read about our other initiative here.

Come discuss this blog post with our community!