Social media platform Bluesky submits to suppression orders in Turkey, yet maintains a covert avenue for content
Take a Peek at Bluesky: The Free-Speech Haven Uncovered
In the digital world, Bluesky, a Twitter alternatives, has been garnering a considerable buzz lately. People have been flocking to this microblogging platform, escaping the clutches of a social media giant owned by an influential billionaire. But alas, this week’s revelation casts a shadow on the platform’s glowing reputation. Bluesky seemingly surrendered to censorship demands from Turkey, a concerning move for a site championing free speech and openness.
A recent report claims that Bluesky silenced 72 accounts within Turkey after unyielding pressure from the Turkish government. The authorities justified this censorship under the pretense of safeguarding "national security and public order," as TechCrunch states [1][2][3].
The identities of the account operators and the reasons behind the government's concerns remain shrouded in mystery. The account suspensions initially came to light from the Freedom of Expression Association, a Turkish NGO dedicated to civil liberties [2]. Gizmodo reached out to Bluesky for a comment.
Interestingly, due to Bluesky's correlation with the Fediverse and reliance on the open AT Protocol, there seems to be a "loophole" for those Turkish users subjected to the ban. Because Bluesky isn't merely a mini-blogging service but also a constituent of a semi-decentralized ecosystem of sites powered by the same protocol, the censored users might still be able to dive into the "Atmosphere" on alternative platforms like Skywalker, Skeets, and Roomy [2][4].
Initially dreamt up by Twitter aficionado Jack Dorsey, with backing from Twitter to the tune of $13 million [3], Bluesky was initially conceived during Dorsey's tenure at Twitter. Since then, Elon Musk’s acquisition and drastic changes on Twitter have pushed more users towards Bluesky, perceived as a viable alternative to the chaotic mess that was X. For quite some time, Bluesky flourished due to its user-focused approach and dedication to self-expression and individualism. Yet, abiding by foreign censorship isn't a flattering look for the company – even with the presence of this circumvention loophole.
With Elon Musk weaponizing Twitter to spread his message, an exodus of users has blazed a trail to Bluesky, championing itself as a beacon of reason in the storm. However, this decision to succumb to censorship demands from foreign authorities is a significant blow and risks damaging the company’s well-earned reputation.
- Despite initial promise as a Twitter alternative emphasizing free speech, Bluesky's recent compliances with Turkish censorship demands may tarnish its reputation.
- TechCrunch reports that Bluesky, under pressure from the Turkish government, silenced 72 accounts, justified under the guise of protecting national security and public order.
- The identities of the account operators and reasons behind the ban remain unclear, with information coming from the Freedom of Expression Association in Turkey.
- Gizmodo reached out to Bluesky for comment regarding the censorship incident.
- Curiously, due to its integration with the Fediverse and AT Protocol, censored Turkish users can potentially find solace on other platforms within the same ecosystem, such as Skywalker, Skeets, and Roomy.
- Initially founded by Twitter enthusiast Jack Dorsey and backed by Twitter with $13 million, Bluesky was initially envisioned during Dorsey's tenure at Twitter.
- As Elon Musk's drastic changes on Twitter fuel an exodus of users, Bluesky positions itself as a viable alternative, but the decision to abide by foreign censorship may be detrimental to its reputation as a beacon for free speech and individualism.
