Two years after its debut, social network Bluesky is rolling out revised Community Guidelines, Terms of Service, and other policy updates, and is inviting users to provide feedback before they take effect on October 15, 2025. The changes aim to clarify safety procedures, add detail to the appeals process, and align the platform with new global regulations, including the U.K.’s Online Safety Act, the EU’s Digital Services Act, and the U.S.’s TAKE IT DOWN Act.
Regulatory compliance updates include age verification for U.K. users accessing adult content, requiring face scans, ID uploads, or payment card entry. Bluesky has also expanded its complaints and appeals framework, introducing an “informal dispute resolution process” that lets users speak directly with company representatives before any formal action, a rare approach compared to bigger social platforms.
Notably, the platform will allow some harm-related claims to be resolved in court instead of forcing arbitration. Meanwhile, revised Community Guidelines are now centered around four principles, Safety First, Respect Others, Be Authentic, and Follow the Rules, covering issues like harassment, deepfake exploitation, doxxing, self-harm, illegal content, and spam. Exceptions are carved out for journalism, parody, and satire.
The changes also touch on sensitive moderation areas, such as what constitutes “threats,” “harm,” or “abuse.” Past controversies over Bluesky’s handling of moderation have strained relations with marginalized communities and fueled criticism of political bias.
The company’s Privacy Policy and Copyright Policy have also been rewritten for global legal compliance, covering data handling, takedown processes, and transparency reports. These policies will take effect September 15, 2025, without a public feedback period.
