Social media platform Bluesky capitulates to censorship pressures in Turkey, leaving a potential loophole for users to bypass restrictions
New and Improved Version:
Looks like the microblogging world's underdog, Bluesky, has hit a speed bump recently. With users fleeing X in search of a social media platform free from the clutches of an overlord, this promising startup has seen rapid growth. But this week, it's come under fire for submitting to censorship demands from Turkey's government. Ouch!
A fresh report claims Bluesky blocked access to 72 accounts within Turkey, following government pressure. Turkey's officials justified their request under the veil of "national security and public order," reports TechCrunch[1].
Details are scarce about the identities behind these accounts and what specific threats they posed to the nation. The account deactivations were first reported by the Freedom of Expression Association, a Turkish NGO focused on civil rights[2]. Gizmodo reached out to Bluesky for comment.
Because Bluesky is part of the Fediverse community and operates on the open AT Protocol, there is a potential loophole for theTurkish users who were banned from the site[3]. Since Bluesky isn't just a straightforward microblogging service but also part of a semi-decentralized ecosystem of sites, the censored users may still be able to use this interconnected network of platforms—collectively known as "the Atmosphere." This cluster of sites, driven by the same protocol developed by Bluesky Social PBC, can be accessed online and via apps like Skywalker, Skeets, and Roomy[3].
Bluesky was first conceived by Twitter's former guru, Jack Dorsey, with financial backing from Twitter (to the tune of $13 million)[3]. Dorsey departed the project, and now Bluesky is headed by CEO Jay Graber.
Since Elon Musk swooped in and took over Twitter, transforming it into his personal propaganda tool, an influx of people has migrated to Bluesky, attracted by its stance as a reasonable alternative to X. For quite some time, Bluesky managed to preserve its reputation as an advocate for user rights and a champion of an open system that puts self-expression and autonomy first. But this move to appease foreign censorship certainly isn't helping its image. While it may offer a workaround for censorship that other platforms lack, such compromises can erode the faith of users seeking unfettered freedom.
Enrichment Data:
Amid criticism, Bluesky's compromise on its principles has raised concerns within the online community. The censorship move was particularly surprising as Bluesky had previously been seen as a decentralized and free-speech-friendly alternative to mainstream platforms like X[1][2]. This incident has sparked debate about Bluesky's commitment to its initial values of openness and autonomy, especially since its users in Turkey had turned to the platform seeking an uncensored environment[1][2].
- Gizmodo reported that Bluesky, the microblogging platform, has been under criticism for submitting to censorship demands from Turkey's government, raising concerns about its commitment to principles of openness and user rights.
- The move by Bluesky to censor certain accounts, following government pressure, contradicts its previous reputation as a free-speech-friendly and decentralized social media alternative to mainstream platforms.
- Although Bluesky's compromise on censorship may offer a workaround for some users compared to other platforms, the compromises can potentially erode the faith of users seeking unfettered freedom.
- In the tech landscape, social media platforms like Bluesky, along with general-news outlets, entertainment sources, and even politics, play significant roles in shaping the future of technology and online culture.
