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Now with 25 million usersBluesky faces a test that will determine whether its platform will continue to be seen as a safe space and a place of refuge from X toxicity. In recent days, a large number of users on Bluesky have been urging the company to ban a newcomer who shared his opinions and actions on and off the platform.
Writer and podcast host Jesse Singal He joined Bluesky 12 days ago much to the horror of much of the Bluesky community. It was Singal Indexed by GLAAD’s Accountability Project For his writings on transgender issues and other matters. The GLAAD Project “profiles the anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and discriminatory actions of politicians, commentators, organization heads, religious leaders, and legal figures, who have used their platforms, influence, and power to spread misinformation and harm LGBTQ people.”
It is now The most blocked user on the social networkand the user Anger His participation on the platform is increasing. People are demanding that Bluesky take a stand: Either it’s a place that promises it won’t host bad actors like this, or it’s a place that promises not to amplify the reach of these bad actors thanks to its various moderation tools.
It can’t be both.
In the earlier days of Bluesky, users were converts, like many others Marginalized groups, black and gay usersflocked to the social network from Twitter (now called X) after Elon Musk bought it and began promoting more right-wing and conservative views. Bluesky has many custom tools that allow people to control their social media experience, including Ban lists, multi-layered moderation, Custom feeds, Custom algorithms, Labeling servicesAnd more. This allows users to do things like block groups of users they may not want to interact with – e.g MAGA supportersfor example, who can be found in your custom block list.
Many community members who fled Twitter now feel that their experience with Bluesky is at risk due to Singal joining. As a high-profile user, he could bring a network of followers with him, which could lead to increased harassment, they suggest.
Users can indicate a A large number of Singal’s writings and opinions As reference points for his notoriety, but for Bluesky to ban him, he must have violated them Terms of Service and Guidelines especially.
Some Bluesky users say it did this: He already did it linked In targeted harassment On the platformhe has long History of harassment of transgender peopleAs they say, private medical information was shared without patients’ consent – which is Singal’s charge Disputes.
new Change.org petition The argument is being made that Bluesky should simply ban Singal.
As of the time of writing, The petition asking Bluesky to enforce its guidelines already has more than 18,000 signaturesincluded One of the singer Lizzo.
Bluesky users also reported Singal’s account en masse, prompting the company to ban him and reinstate him. Calling his account intolerant Through the moderation service. (This means users can go into their Bluesky settings to turn it on, off, or set to be warned about posts that fall into this category.)
But many Bluesky users don’t want to just moderate and ignore Singal, they want him gone. It became a deal breaker.
By keeping it, Bluesky risks hurting the community, sapping its goodwill, and losing users, while also sending a signal to others that bad actors and harassers are welcome there.
But by banning Singal, Ploskey could come under attack from the next head of the FCC, Brendan Carr. Who is willing to go after social networks that they believe suppress conservative viewpoints?. Everything Bluesky does here will attract attention, for better or worse.
This isn’t the first time Bluesky has faced user backlash over moderation issues. The startup has strained its relationship with some black users after failing to take sufficiently tough action against hate speech and violence last year.
In February, the company appointed A Former CEO of Twitter/X Trust & Safety, Aaron RodricksTo lead Bluesky’s efforts and hopefully prevent further problems. Rodericks is now receiving an influx of messages from Bluesky users, asking him to take action on Singal’s account.
Bluesky did not respond to requests for comment.
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