Bluesky Revamps Community Guidelines and Policies to Enhance User Safety, Clarity, and Respect
Social media platform Bluesky, established two years ago as a competitor to X, Threads, and open networks like Mastodon, is revising its Community Guidelines and other policies. The startup seeks user input on the changes, which aim to offer increased clarity and detail in user safety procedures and the appeals process.
The revisions are partly driven by new global regulations such as the UK Online Safety Act (OSA), the EU Digital Services Act (DSA), and the US TAKE IT DOWN Act. These changes also reflect an initiative to encourage a more considerate and respectful user community, addressing concerns about self-seriousness, excessive sharing of negative news, and lack of diversity in thought within the platform.
To ensure regulatory compliance, Bluesky has updated its Terms of Service to align with online safety laws and implement age verification where required. In line with the UK’s Online Safety Act, users in the country will be asked to verify their identity through facial scans, ID uploads, or payment card entries when using adult content.
The process for complaints and appeals has been streamlined, and an informal dispute resolution process has been introduced where Bluesky engages in telephone discussions with users about disputes before formal processes commence. This approach differs from larger social networks like Facebook and Instagram, where users often face bans without understanding the reasons or a means to appeal.
Bluesky also plans to allow users to resolve certain claims of harm in court rather than through arbitration, which is uncommon among tech companies that typically opt for out-of-court dispute resolution.
The proposed changes to the Community Guidelines invite user feedback until Oct. 15, 2025. The revised guidelines are structured around four principles: Safety First, Respect Others, Be Authentic, and Follow the Rules. These principles guide moderation decisions regarding content labeling or removal, account suspension or ban, and in some cases, law enforcement reporting.
Bluesky’s rules cover common-sense policies against promoting violence, sharing illegal content, sexualizing minors, and engaging in activities such as doxxing, non-consensual personal data-sharing, posting spam, or sharing malicious content. Exceptions are made for journalism, parody, and satire.
The platform’s policies regarding threats, harm, or abuse will be scrutinized due to past incidents that strained relationships with communities like the Black community and the trans community. The new policy encourages users to respect others by not posting, promoting, or encouraging hate, harassment, or bullying. Content that incites discrimination or hatred based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected traits is prohibited.
Bluesky’s Privacy Policy and Copyright Policy have also been revised to comply with global laws concerning user rights, data transfer, retention and deletion, takedown procedures, transparency reporting, and more. These changes take effect on September 15, 2025, and there is no feedback period for either.
