Bluesky is cracking down on rule-breakers with an update to its community guidelines and stronger enforcement of moderation policies. The social platform said it wants to “cultivate a space for healthy conversations” and will now escalate enforcement actions more quickly, meaning users who violate guidelines will face fewer warnings before account deactivation.
The company’s new rules follow months of community feedback, Bluesky said more than 14,000 users shared comments on its earlier draft. While many worried about impacts on creative expression and marginalized voices, the company said it’s returning to its “experimental roots” by emphasizing constructive dialogue and action against harassment and toxic content.
In addition to stricter enforcement, Bluesky is planning product changes to make it clearer when content might break rules. Other features in the works include a “zen mode” for calmer feeds and prompts encouraging more constructive conversations.
Still, moderation remains a contentious issue. Critics point to suspensions of accounts fundraising for Palestinians in Gaza, and the temporary ban of horror writer Gretchen Felker-Martin after her comments on conservative figure Charlie Kirk, a move that drew backlash from writer Roxane Gay.
Bluesky also faces complaints of becoming a liberal echo chamber, while debates continue over its stance on sexual content involving non-consensual activity, even in animated or synthetic form. The company stressed that no changes were made in that area, calling the concerns a misunderstanding.
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As Bluesky balances safety with free expression, its challenge will be enforcing rules without alienating users across the political and creative spectrum.
