Bluesky Policy & Guideline Updates: A Major Revamp

Bluesky Revises Policies and Seeks User Input

Following two years of operation, the social networking platform Bluesky is undertaking a revision of its Community Guidelines and associated policies. The company is actively soliciting feedback from its user base regarding these proposed alterations.

This update is largely prompted by emerging global regulations, encompassing the U.K.’s Online Safety Act (OSA), the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), and the U.S.’s TAKE IT DOWN Act.

Shaping Community Behavior

Beyond regulatory requirements, Bluesky intends to proactively cultivate a more positive and respectful community environment. This initiative stems from user feedback and media reports suggesting a tendency towards seriousness, negative content sharing, and a limited range of perspectives within the platform.

To ensure compliance, Bluesky’s Terms of Service have been updated to align with current online safety legislation. Age assurance measures are also being implemented where legally mandated.

Enhanced Complaint and Appeal Processes

The procedures for submitting complaints and appealing decisions have been significantly detailed and clarified.

A new “informal dispute resolution process” has been introduced, allowing Bluesky to engage in direct phone conversations with users to address disputes before initiating formal proceedings. The platform believes that many disagreements can be resolved through this informal approach.

This contrasts sharply with the practices of larger social networks, where users often face account bans without clear explanations or avenues for communication.

Bluesky will also permit users to pursue legal recourse for certain harm claims, opting out of mandatory arbitration.

Proposed Community Guideline Changes

Bluesky users are invited to provide feedback on 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 inform moderation decisions regarding content labeling, account suspension, and potential reporting to law enforcement.

Key Policy Areas

Bluesky’s policies prohibit the promotion of violence or harm, including self-harm and animal abuse. Content that is illegal or exploits, abuses, or endangers children is also forbidden.

The guidelines also address harmful behaviors such as doxxing and the nonconsensual sharing of personal information, as well as the posting of spam or malicious content.

Exceptions are made for journalism, parody, and satire.

Journalists conducting “factual reporting” are permitted to discuss sensitive topics like criminal activity, mental health, and online safety, including warnings about potentially harmful viral challenges.

Potential Challenges

The interpretation of terms like “threat,” “harm,” and “abuse” may present challenges.

The policy emphasizes the importance of “respecting others” by prohibiting hate speech, harassment, and bullying. Specifically, exploitive deepfakes and content that “incites discrimination or hatred” based on protected characteristics are banned.

Bluesky has previously faced criticism regarding its moderation decisions, straining its relationship with the Black and trans communities.

Recent feedback suggests concerns that the platform has become overly left-leaning, with a lack of humor and a tendency towards critical and negative interactions.

User Control and Moderation

Bluesky initially aimed to empower users with tools to shape their own communities, including blocking, reporting, and customizable moderation services. However, users have generally preferred the platform to handle moderation directly, often expressing dissatisfaction with trust and safety decisions.

Privacy and Copyright Updates

Bluesky’s Privacy Policy and Copyright Policy have also been updated to comply with global laws concerning user rights, data management, and transparency reporting. These revisions will be implemented on September 15, 2025, without a feedback period.