Bluesky Revamps Community Guidelines and Policies, Invites User Feedback Ahead of October 2025 Update

Two years since its release, Bluesky, the decentralized social network that wants to be a solid alternative to X (previously Twitter), Threads, and open-source alternatives such as Mastodon, is revamping its Community Guidelines, Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Copyright Policy. The company states that this significant overhaul is designed to offer more transparent rules, extensive safety protocols, and an open appeals process all in line with new global online safety legislation.

These changes are driven by laws like the U.K.'s Online Safety Act (OSA), the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), and the U.S.'s TAKE IT DOWN Act. These updates, according to Bluesky, are not only about being compliant but also about creating a more respectful, inclusive, and enjoyable community experience for its increasing user base.

Why Bluesky Is Changing Its Policies Now

Since its release, Bluesky has been marketed as a community-led social network that provides greater control to users over moderation and the content that they desire to view. Yet, according to media coverage and complaints made by users, there have been problems presented in the form of too little humor, too much seriousness, and sometimes toxic discussions.

The new guidelines, effective October 15, 2025 (once the feedback window is over), aim to gently prod people into being more considerate in their interactions and also address legal requirements for safety on the internet. The firm wants to steer clear of mistakes on bigger platforms like Facebook and Instagram, where moderation is impersonal and users get banned without reasons.

Key Changes in Bluesky’s Terms of Service

Bluesky’s Terms of Service have been updated to reflect global safety laws and age assurance requirements. For example:

• Under the UK’s Online Safety Act, platforms hosting adult content must implement age verification. This means Bluesky users in the UK may need to scan their face, upload ID, or use a payment card to continue using the site.

• The platform now provides a detailed complaints and appeals process for users who believe moderation actions were unfair.

• A unique “informal dispute resolution process” will allow users to speak with Bluesky staff over the phone before moving to formal dispute channels a rarity among big tech companies.

• In certain cases, users can resolve claims of harm in court rather than being forced into arbitration, marking a shift from the norm in the tech industry.

New Community Guidelines

Bluesky’s revised guidelines are structured around four main principles:

1. Safety First – Prioritizing user protection by removing harmful, violent, or illegal content.

2. Respect Others – Discouraging harassment, bullying, hate speech, and discriminatory remarks.

3. Be Authentic – Preventing deceptive, spammy, or manipulated media intended to mislead users.

4. Follow the Rules – Ensuring compliance with both community and legal standards.

   
   

Under these principles, Bluesky will prohibit:

• Promotion of violence or harm (including self-harm and animal abuse).

• Sexualization of minors, including in role-play scenarios.

• Doxxing or any nonconsensual sharing of personal information.

• Posting spam or malicious content.

However, the platform allows certain exceptions for journalism, parody, and satire, ensuring that important discussions even about sensitive topics can take place within responsible boundaries.

Mitigating Past Moderation Issues

Bluesky's moderation past has not been free of tension. Early on, conflicts with the Black community and friction with the trans community demonstrated loopholes in its enforcement policies. More recently, the network was criticized for reportedly swinging too hard left politically, creating an environment in which critical voices were relentlessly attacked.

The original vision of the company was to provide users with customizable moderation tools, such as subscribable block lists or opt-in content filters, so individuals would be able to create their own version of a safe space. However, over time, users increasingly requested that Bluesky's trust and safety team more directly police the platform and keep it civil — raising controversies over where to find a balance between freedom and moderation.

Privacy & Copyright Policy Updates

Apart from the Community Guidelines and Terms of Service updates, Bluesky is also overhauling its Privacy Policy and Copyright Policy, with both of these taking effect on September 15, 2025.

The changes cover:

• User rights and data portability.

• Data transfer, retention, and deletion timelines.

• Takedown processes for copyright-infringing content.

• Transparency reporting to provide users with a clear understanding of how moderation is enforced.

In contrast to the Community Guidelines, the two updates will not include a public comment period.

How Users Can Get Involved

Bluesky is encouraging feedback from its community regarding the new guidelines prior to the October 15, 2025 launch. Users are able to provide suggestions and opinions to inform the final rules. This open process is designed to reinforce trust between the platform and its members, with the policies representing a balance of regulatory requirements and community standards.

Bluesky's recent policy changes represent a turning point for the company. By mixing legal legality, user-friendly moderation tools, and a willingness to talk to its members that is a distinct rarity in social networks, the company is making itself distinct from the old social networks.

Whether these changes result in a more healthy, diverse, and fun online community or cause fresh controversy regarding free speech and moderation will be largely determined by users' response and engagement in redefining the platform's future.