Bluesky Updates Moderation Policies for Enhanced Transparency

Bluesky, the decentralized social network aiming to compete with X and Threads, has recently announced significant updates to its moderation process. These changes focus on improving how the platform tracks violations of its Community Guidelines and enforces its policies. Bluesky is introducing new reporting categories, refining its “strike” system, and providing clearer guidance to users who violate its rules.

The moderation enhancements are included in the latest version of the Bluesky app (v. 1.110). Alongside these changes, the update also brings a dark-mode app icon and a redesigned feature for managing who can reply to your posts.

Bluesky states that these moderation updates are necessary because of the platform’s rapid growth. Clear standards and expectations are essential to foster respectful interactions among users.

In a recent announcement, Bluesky highlighted the importance of these changes, emphasizing the need to maintain a positive community environment as the platform expands.

The Need for Moderation

These changes arrive after a recent moderation incident where Bluesky suspended a user for posting what the platform interpreted as a violent threat. Author Sarah Kendzior made a comment referencing a Johnny Cash song lyric, which led to her suspension.

Bluesky’s team clarified that the suspension occurred because Kendzior’s words seemed to express a desire to harm someone, interpreted literally.

The platform aims to ensure it remains a community-focused space, steering clear of the toxicity that often characterizes X, where aggressive and hateful comments frequently occur.

New Reporting Categories

Bluesky is expanding its reporting options from six to nine categories. This allows users to more accurately flag issues, enabling moderators to address critical reports more effectively. New categories include Youth Harassment, Bullying, and Eating Disorders. These additions help Bluesky comply with emerging laws designed to protect minors online. The updates also include options to flag potential Human Trafficking content, aligning with the UK’s Online Safety Act requirements.

Improved Internal Tools

To streamline moderation, Bluesky has enhanced its internal tools to automatically track violations and enforcement actions in a centralized system. This system ensures users receive transparent and clear information regarding actions taken and their standing on the platform.

Bluesky emphasizes that it is not changing its enforcement standards, but rather improving its tools to ensure greater consistency and transparency in enforcement.

The Strike System

Bluesky’s revised strike system now assigns a severity rating to reported content, which dictates the appropriate enforcement action. Content deemed a “critical risk” will result in a permanent ban. Other content will receive lower, medium, or higher penalties. Repeated violations can lead to a permanent ban instead of a temporary suspension.

User Notifications and Appeals

Users will now receive notifications when they are subject to enforcement actions. These notifications will detail the violated Community Guideline, the severity level, the total violation count, proximity to the next action threshold, and the duration of any suspension. The company also provides an appeal process for these actions.

Broader Policy Updates

These changes follow Bluesky’s rollout of updated Community Guidelines in October. This is part of a broader effort to become more proactive in moderation and enforcement on the platform.

Balancing Ideals and Reality

Despite the stricter rules, some Bluesky users are still concerned that the platform allows certain controversial figures to maintain accounts. The issue is further complicated by Bluesky’s desire to be a platform for diverse communities, contrasting with its reputation as a left-leaning alternative to X.

In addition to managing its public image, Bluesky must comply with a growing number of regulations designed to protect users from harm. This year, Bluesky blocked its service in Mississippi due to the state’s age assurance law, highlighting the challenges of balancing growth with legal compliance.