Bluesky Still Has a Death Threat Problem

Bluesky, a social media platform, has been struggling with the problem of death threats directed at its users. This issue has persisted since its inception, raising concerns about the site's moderation policies.

1. Background: Jesse Singal's article from December details his experience on Bluesky, where he faced numerous violent messages after joining the platform. The culture of the site has been described as more hostile compared to Twitter, particularly concerning threats of violence.

2. Weak Moderation: Singal observed that Bluesky's rules regarding violent threats seem less stringent than those on Twitter. He received a barrage of messages urging self-harm or expressing a desire for him to be killed, highlighting a lack of effective moderation.

3. Recent Violent Incidents: The company has issued warnings in recent weeks against users celebrating violent acts, particularly a shooting related to conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Posts have included slogans that glorify such violence, indicating ongoing issues with user behavior on the platform.

4. Legal Consequences: A Canadian man was arrested for making a credible death threat against singer Morrissey on Bluesky, further demonstrating the severity of threats occurring on the platform. This incident led Morrissey to cancel concerts due to safety concerns.

5. Response from Bluesky: In light of these threats, Bluesky announced plans to intensify moderation efforts. The company aims to enforce its policies more strictly, such as reducing the number of warnings before account restrictions are applied.

6. Skepticism About Change: There is skepticism about whether tighter enforcement will effectively change user behavior on the platform. Critics argue that the culture of hostility may persist despite the announcement of new measures.

Bluesky continues to grapple with significant issues related to violent threats and a culture that seemingly fosters such behavior. Recent actions by the platform indicate a recognition of these problems, but doubts remain about the effectiveness of new moderation measures in cultivating a safer social media environment. 

https://hotair.com/john-s-2/2025/09/22/bluesky-still-has-a-death-threat-problem-n3807067