Bluesky Moderation: Increased Enforcement & Content Policies

Bluesky Intensifies Moderation Efforts

Bluesky is preparing to more actively remove users who violate its policies, aiming to foster a more positive environment for discussions. The company states it will be strengthening the enforcement of its moderation policies to encourage healthier conversations within the platform.

Community Guidelines Update

This move follows a comprehensive review of Bluesky’s community guidelines. In August, the social media platform solicited feedback from its user base regarding proposed changes. Over 14,000 community members submitted comments, with many expressing concerns about the potential impact on creative expression and marginalized groups.

Acknowledging this input, Bluesky is refocusing on promoting constructive dialogue and rigorously enforcing rules against harassment and harmful content. A key component of this will be increased enforcement actions.

Faster Account Restrictions

Bluesky will be accelerating the process of imposing restrictions on accounts that breach the guidelines. A company spokesperson clarified to TechCrunch that users will receive fewer warnings before account deactivation occurs when policy violations are detected.

Furthermore, the platform is implementing product modifications to provide clearer indications when content is likely to contravene the community guidelines. This may involve more preemptive warnings before users publish potentially problematic material.

Ongoing Challenges with Moderation

Determining who is banned and the reasons behind such decisions remains a sensitive issue for Bluesky, as it is for many social networks. Recent criticisms have centered on the suspension of accounts involved in fundraising for Palestinians in Gaza, with claims of unfair treatment.

The temporary suspension of horror writer Gretchen Felker-Martin, following comments regarding the shooting of Charlie Kirk, also sparked controversy. Writer Roxane Gay condemned Bluesky’s action, alongside DC Comics’ cancellation of Felker-Martin’s comic, as unacceptable and regrettable.

Felker-Martin herself responded to Bluesky’s announcement of the new guidelines with a terse, “thanks this sucks.”

Echo Chamber Concerns

Beyond criticism from its left-leaning users, Bluesky also faces accusations of becoming an echo chamber. Some users perceive a lack of tolerance for humor on the platform.

Upcoming Product Changes

Bluesky announced additional product updates, including a “zen mode” designed to offer a more tranquil social media experience through adjusted default settings. The platform will also introduce prompts to encourage more constructive interactions.

The guidelines themselves have undergone further revisions based on user feedback, incorporating more precise language in certain areas and adding a new section dedicated to protected expression, encompassing journalism and educational content.

Focus on Non-Consensual Content

Since the announcement on Friday, much discussion has revolved around guidelines prohibiting “sexual content involving non-consensual activity,” even in animated, illustrated, or synthetic forms. This follows similar backlash faced by gaming marketplaces like Steam and Itch.io for tightening restrictions on adult content.

One user argued that Bluesky should prioritize the rights of real-world individuals over concerns about depictions in cartoons. Another suggested that confusion stemmed from poor communication from Bluesky itself, noting the policy language has been standard practice.

A Bluesky spokesperson stated that there have been no changes to enforcement in this area and that no such changes are planned.

Effective Date

The revised guidelines are scheduled to come into effect on October 15.