Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2024/12/02/bluesky_growing_problems/
Source: The Register
Title: Bluesky keeps growing, and so do its problems
Feedly Summary: Impersonators, harmful content and AI scraping are up, too
It’s undoubtedly a good time to be upstart social media network Bluesky given its rapid growth in the wake of the US presidential election, but questions of moderation and compliance matters are growing along with the influx of humans seeking bluer pastures. …
AI Summary and Description: Yes
**Summary:** The text discusses the rapid growth of the social media platform Bluesky, which has tripled its user base since its public launch. However, this surge in users has raised concerns related to moderation, impersonation policies, and compliance with regulations, particularly with the EU Digital Services Act. The platform is also dealing with the implications of AI content scraping and the challenges posed by increased harmful content.
**Detailed Description:**
The article analyzes Bluesky’s recent growth and the complexities arising from it in terms of governance and security. Key points include:
– **User Growth:**
– Bluesky has seen significant user growth, reaching nearly 24 million users, which raises questions about their ability to manage this expansion effectively.
– The platform has surpassed Meta’s Threads in daily web visits in select regions despite still trailing in total active users.
– **Engagement Levels:**
– Despite having fewer followers than X (formerly Twitter), Bluesky boasts higher engagement metrics when users interact with content from major publishers.
– Bluesky positions itself as a platform that supports independent developers and encourages open engagement, differentiating itself from competitors by avoiding link demotion.
– **Moderation and Compliance Concerns:**
– The rapid increase in user counts has led to challenges in content moderation, particularly regarding impersonation, with nearly half of the top accounts found to have doppelgängers.
– Bluesky has expanded its moderation team and is adopting stricter impersonation policies, acknowledging the need to balance user freedom with security measures.
– **AI Content Scraping:**
– Bluesky stated it will not use user data for generative AI training but recognizes the challenge of third parties scraping its content for their purposes.
– The platform is exploring user consent settings similar to a “robots.txt” file to protect their data from unwanted scraping.
– **Legal Challenges:**
– Bluesky is facing scrutiny under the EU Digital Services Act for potential non-compliance due to issues with user reporting.
– The company is working to improve compliance as it continues to grow.
In summary, Bluesky stands at a crossroads where its rapid growth offers opportunities but also necessitates stronger governance measures to ensure user safety and compliance with emerging regulations. Security and compliance professionals should monitor these developments, as they underscore significant trends in social media governance, moderation challenges, and AI interactions.