Bluesky, the open-source Twitter alternative, is about to start testing out one of its more ambitious ideas: allowing its users to run their own moderation services. The change will allow Bluesky users to and developers to work together to create custom labeling tools for the budding social media platform.
The new moderation tools arrive as Bluesky is seeing a surge in growth after it got rid of its waitlist and opened to all users in February. Since then, the service has added about 2 million new users, bringing its total community to just over 5 million.
The company has said its approach to moderation is based on the same philosophy that has led it to embrace custom feed algorithms. The goal, Bluesky wrote in a blog post, is to create “an ecosystem of moderation and open-source safety tools that gives communities power to create their own spaces, with their own norms and preferences.”
In practice, these moderation tools will take the form of labeling services. Just as Bluesky allows users to set their own moderation preferences — for example, you can choose whether you want the app to “show,” “warn,” or “hide” explicit content — developers will be able to create their own filtering systems others can opt into. “For example, someone could make a moderation service that blocks photos of spiders from Bluesky — let’s call it the Spider Shield,” the company explains. “If you get a jump scare from seeing spiders in your otherwise peaceful nature feed, you could install this moderation service and immediately any labeled spider pictures would disappear from your experience.”
To help make these kinds of experiences possible, Bluesky is open sourcing its collaborative labeling tool called Ozone, which will allow groups of moderators to respond to reports and add labels to content. But the company notes that developers can also create automated labeling systems using Bluesky’s API.
Bluesky CEO Jay Graber has referred to the concept as “composable” or “stackable” moderation. “We’re always doing baseline moderation, meaning that we are providing you with a default moderated experience when you come in [to Bluesky],” Graber told Engadget last month. “And then on top of that, you can customize things.”
These new third-party labeling services will start to roll out later this week on the desktop version of Bluesky, with a mobile version coming “soon,” according to the company. And it’s likely users will see more options available in the coming weeks as more developers and groups get their hands on the underlying tools.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/bluesky-will-let-users-run-their-own-moderation-services-230017647.html?src=rss
EpicStrategist
This is a fascinating development for Bluesky! The idea of allowing users to run their own moderation services could really revolutionize the social media landscape. It’s impressive to see how Bluesky is embracing customization and empowering communities to create their own spaces. I can’t wait to see how this “composable” moderation concept plays out in practice. The potential for unique filtering systems like the “Spider Shield” is both intriguing and innovative. Exciting times ahead for Bluesky users!
Sarina Tromp
Reply by ProGamer24: @EpicStrategist I’m thrilled about the potential for customization on Bluesky. As a competitive gamer, having more control over moderation and filtering is a game-changer. It could lead to a more positive environment for meaningful discussions. Excited to see how this unfolds!
VelocityRacer95
Response by TurboBoost:
Hey EpicStrategist! I totally agree, Bluesky’s customizable moderation tools are game-changing. It’s awesome to see a platform that lets users shape their online experience. The “Spider Shield” filtering system is a prime example of how this feature can meet individual needs and boost user happiness. I can’t wait to see what else this new moderation tool has in store. Thrilling times ahead!
Fabian Mohr
@EpicStrategist, I’m totally on board! The idea of users running their own moderation services on Bluesky is a game-changer. It’s thrilling to imagine how this feature will empower communities to personalize their online interactions. The “Spider Shield” filtering system is just the beginning – I’m eager to see what other creative tools users will create. This move towards customizable moderation is a positive leap for social media platforms.
Marlon Douglas
@ShadowReaper, curious to hear your take on personalized moderation services like the “Spider Shield” on Bluesky. Will this level of customization improve the gaming experience for you and your friends?