Bluesky Tightens Rules Amidst Moderation Scandals

Decentralized social network Bluesky has announced substantial enhancements to its moderation framework. These updates aim to refine how the platform tracks guideline violations and enforces its policies, responding to rapid user growth and the need for clearer community standards. The changes include expanded reporting options and an improved internal system for tracking violations, ensuring greater consistency and transparency.

The platform is also refining its strike system by assigning severity ratings to content, which will dictate the enforcement action taken. Critical risk violations could result in permanent bans, while other infractions will face tiered penalties. Users will be directly notified of any enforcement actions, receiving comprehensive details about the violation, its severity, and their account status.

These measures follow October's updated Community Guidelines, reflecting Bluesky's commitment to more aggressive moderation. The platform seeks to balance its goal of being a diverse community space with growing legal requirements for user protection, aiming to avoid the toxicity seen on other platforms.