Bluesky, a social media platform that has surged in popularity since the 2020 election, has responded to accusations of noncompliance with the European Union’s stringent digital regulations by pledging to adhere to these rules. Initially created in 2019 to offer a decentralized alternative to Twitter, Bluesky is gaining users at an impressive rate, particularly as individuals from Elon Musk’s X platform seek other social media outlets. Following a remarkable growth achievement of adding one million users in a single day, the platform’s Chief Executive Officer, Jay Graber, recently confirmed that Bluesky has surpassed the 20 million user threshold. The platform’s leftist user base has reportedly led to an influx of flagged content, raising concerns about moderation and standards.
The European Commission, which acts as the EU’s executive body, has taken issue with Bluesky’s compliance regarding the Digital Services Act (DSA). This foundational legislation governs content moderation on social media platforms and requires them to disclose specific information, including user numbers and their legal establishment within the EU. A spokesperson for the Commission indicated that Bluesky failed to fulfill these requirements and subsequently launched an investigation into the platform’s regional compliance. This scrutiny represents the EU’s commitment to regulating the tech landscape, especially concerning large platforms that could significantly influence public discourse and societal issues.
Under the DSA, platforms surpassing 45 million users in the EU are categorized as “very large online platforms,” subjecting them to much stricter content moderation guidelines and oversight from the European Commission. Some of these regulations include the potential for substantial fines, reaching up to six percent of a company’s global annual revenue for violations. While smaller platforms are also bound by the DSA, they are assessed according to the regulations of their country of legal establishment, an aspect that has sparked debate regarding Bluesky’s decentralized ownership model. The ambiguity regarding Bluesky’s location complicates its regulatory status, making compliance efforts increasingly difficult.
As Bluesky attempts to navigate the regulatory landscape, the European Commission has directed member countries’ national authorities to investigate the platform further. This step underscores the EU’s ambition to position itself as a premier global tech regulator. The EU’s oversight extends beyond Bluesky, as it is also scrutinizing other major social networks such as X, TikTok, and Meta, as well as e-commerce entities like AliExpress and Temu. The comprehensive approach by the EU aims to ensure that tech companies adhere to regulations designed to enhance user safety and address issues surrounding content moderation and misinformation.
Bluesky’s burgeoning user base, predominantly from left-leaning individuals discontent with existing platforms, has led to a unique dynamic on the site. Reports indicate that the migration from X has resulted in a cacophony of complaints and demand for stricter moderation, alongside instances of users posting inappropriate content. Such challenges present a considerable test for Bluesky, which must balance fostering a diverse user environment while maintaining community standards that comply with evolving regulations. The platform’s response to these issues may have long-term implications on its credibility and user retention.
In conclusion, Bluesky’s commitment to compliance with the EU’s Digital Services Act highlights the ongoing tensions between rapidly evolving technological platforms and regulatory frameworks designed to protect users and maintain public order. As the platform seeks to cement its place within the competitive social media landscape, it must navigate both external regulatory pressures and internal content moderation challenges. The platform’s evolution and response to these issues will not only shape its future success but also reflect broader themes in the digital age regarding free speech, censorship, and the role of government oversight in technology.