In an exciting development for its users, the social networking platform Bluesky is embarking on a significant transformation of its Community Guidelines and associated policies, two years after its inception. This initiative not only aims to enhance user safety but also seeks to foster a more respectful and engaging community. The platform is actively soliciting feedback from its user base regarding these changes, emphasizing its commitment to transparency and user involvement.
The impetus for these revisions stems from a growing landscape of global regulations, including the U.K.’s Online Safety Act, the EU’s Digital Services Act, and the U.S.’s TAKE IT DOWN Act. These laws are designed to ensure that online platforms prioritize user safety and adhere to strict compliance standards.
Bluesky’s new policies reflect a proactive approach to community management, encouraging users to engage in more positive interactions. This shift comes in response to previous criticisms regarding the platform’s atmosphere, which has been described as overly serious and lacking in humor. By promoting a culture of kindness and respect, Bluesky aims to reshape user behavior and enhance the overall experience.
To align with regulatory requirements, Bluesky has updated its Terms of Service to incorporate necessary age verification measures. For instance, users in the U.K. will need to verify their age through methods such as facial recognition or ID uploads to access adult content. This step is crucial in ensuring compliance with the new online safety laws.
The platform has also refined its complaint and appeals process, introducing an informal dispute resolution mechanism. This allows users to discuss their issues directly with Bluesky representatives before entering a formal dispute process, a significant departure from the often opaque practices of larger social media networks.
In a notable shift, Bluesky is allowing users to pursue certain claims in court rather than being confined to arbitration, a practice that is relatively uncommon among tech companies. This change reflects Bluesky’s commitment to user rights and accountability.
Users are encouraged to provide feedback on the proposed changes to the Community Guidelines, which will take effect on October 15, 2025. The revised guidelines are structured around four core principles: Safety First, Respect Others, Be Authentic, and Follow the Rules. These principles will guide moderation decisions regarding content labeling, account suspensions, and potential law enforcement reporting.
The guidelines encompass a range of common-sense policies, prohibiting the promotion of violence, illegal activities, and harmful behaviors such as doxxing. They also recognize the importance of journalism, allowing for factual reporting on sensitive topics while maintaining a commitment to user safety.
However, the interpretation of terms like ‘threat’ and ‘abuse’ remains a complex issue. The guidelines emphasize the need for users to respect one another, explicitly banning hate speech and harassment. This area has previously posed challenges for Bluesky, as its moderation decisions have sometimes led to tensions within various community groups.
Recently, the platform has faced criticism for perceived biases, with some users claiming it leans too far left. This has sparked discussions about the need for a balanced approach to moderation that accommodates diverse viewpoints while maintaining a safe environment.
Originally, Bluesky aimed to empower users with tools to shape their communities, including blocking and reporting features. However, many users still prefer the platform to take a more active role in moderation, reflecting a desire for accountability and fairness.
Additionally, Bluesky has revised its Privacy and Copyright Policies to comply with international standards regarding user rights and data management. These updates will come into effect on September 15, 2025, without a feedback period, underscoring the platform’s commitment to user privacy and data protection.