Bluesky Yields to Censorship Pressure in Turkey, yet Maintains a Loophole for Potential Evasion
Here's the new, rewritten article:
Dive into the Latest: Bluesky and theShift in Free Speech Zone
The microblogging sensation Bluesky has been gathering some serious momentum lately, as web surfers have been on the hunt for a social media haven free from the dominance of an erratic billionaire. However, recent developments have cast a shady light on this new kid on the block.
The whispers of censorship have caught our ears, and lo and behold, Bluesky has surrendered to demands from Turkey's government, a move that's putting a dent in its self-proclaimed commitment to freedom and openness. TechCrunch exposed the allegations, claiming Bluesky shut down access to 72 accounts in Turkey under the pressure from Turkish officials who justified it under the bulky umbrella of "national security and public order."
Details about the operators of these 72 accounts and the reasons behind the government's furor are scarce. The incident was initially reported by the Freedom of Expression Association, a Turkish NGO focusing on civil rights, with Gizmodo reaching out to Bluesky for an explanation.
The kicker? Thanks to Bluesky being part of the Fediverse and relying on the open standard AT Protocol, there's a potential workaround for the Turkish users who were Given the Boot. TechCrunch hints at a "loophole" – since Bluesky isn't just a dedicated microblogging platform but also a constituent of a semi-decentralized ecosystem of sites, the censored users may still be able to swing by other sites in the same cosmos. Dubbed "the Atmosphere," these sites form a cluster of other platforms that all run on the same AT Protocol, developed by Bluesky Social PBC. You can catch them online and via apps like Skywalker, Skeets, Roomy, and more.
Bluesky has a compelling history dating back to the days of Twitter when Jack Dorsey – yes, that Jack Dorsey – was still boiling the Twitter kettle. The initial investment in Bluesky amounted to a hefty $13 million from Twitter. Since Elon Musk shook things up at Twitter and turned it into his personal loudspeaker, Bluesky has been on a roll, presenting itself as a refreshing alternative to the sewer that is X. For quite some time, Bluesky has maintained its reputation for respecting its users and fostering an open system promoting self-expression and autonomy. But, the choice to appease foreign censorship? Not a move to inspire confidence in the company.
Enrichment Data:
- Amidst growing popularity, Bluesky faces questions about its commitment to free speech, following reports of account shutdowns in Turkey under pressure from the government.
- TechCrunch uncovered news of 72 accounts being suspended in Turkey, with the justification provided by Turkish authorities being "national security and public order."
- Gizmodo reached out to Bluesky for clarification regarding the shutdown of these accounts, but details about the operators and the reasons behind the censorship are scarce.
- The incident has sparked concerns about Bluesky's independence and allegiances, given its previous reputation for promoting user autonomy and self-expression.
- TechCrunch suggests a potential workaround for Turkish users who were censored, thanks to Bluesky's integration in the Fediverse and the open-standard AT Protocol used by other platforms in the Atmosphere ecosystem, such as Skywalker, Skeets, Roomy, and more.
- The recent events have cast a shadow over Bluesky's escapades in the tech world, dating back to its inception during Jack Dorsey's tenure at Twitter and receiving a substantial investment from the company.
- As Elon Musk takes charge at Twitter and turns it into a divisive platform, Bluesky has emerged as a potential alternative for those seeking a more open, free-speech focused social media experience in the realms of technology, politics, entertainment, general news, and social-media culture.
