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Bluesky Under Fire: Accusations of Censorship, Inconsistent Moderation, and a "Chilling Effect" on User Discourse

​Bluesky, the social media platform initially championed for its promise of decentralization and open conversation, is facing a growing chorus of criticism regarding its content moderation practices. Users and commentators alike are raising alarms over what they perceive as inconsistent enforcement, a lack of transparency, and troubling behavior from leadership, including CEO Jay Graber. Compounding these concerns are direct reports from users experiencing the "disappearance" of their posts and a noticeable suppression of engagement on critical topics, leading to fears of a hidden censorship campaign targeting content relevant to American citizens.

​The Moderation Maze: Inconsistency and Accusations of Bias

​The core of the frustration stems from Bluesky's moderation policies, which many users find to be inconsistently applied. While the platform has stated terms of service, numerous accounts suggest that enforcement varies widely depending on the content and the account in question.

​"There's a clear double standard," states one long-time Bluesky user, who wishes to remain anonymous due to fear of reprisal. "You see accounts openly promoting hateful rhetoric and seemingly facing no consequences, while others, particularly those discussing sensitive political or social issues, get swiftly actioned or just vanish from public view."

​This perceived imbalance has led to accusations that Bluesky's moderation might disproportionately impact certain viewpoints, with some critics alleging that the platform is quick to censor marginalized voices while being lenient towards others, sparking heated debates across the platform.

​CEO's Conduct Ignites Further Controversy

​Adding fuel to the fire are reports concerning the public behavior of Bluesky CEO Jay Graber. Articles have cited a "public meltdown by Bluesky's CEO" in October 2025, alongside widespread criticism of Graber for exhibiting "flippant and condescending dismissals" and "immature" behavior when responding to users' legitimate concerns about moderation practices.

​Such conduct from the platform's top executive has eroded trust, with many users feeling that their valid critiques are being dismissed rather than addressed constructively. "When the CEO acts dismissively, it sends a clear message that user concerns aren't valued," remarked another user. "It makes you wonder if there's any real commitment to transparency or accountability."

​"Our Posts Just Disappear": The Silent Suppression of Discourse

​Perhaps most alarming are direct reports from users, particularly those attempting to share "important information that concerns American citizens," who describe their posts effectively "disappearing" from comment sections or receiving an unusually low number of likes and interactions.

​"We've noticed it with our posts," shares an activist group focused on civil liberties. "You put out meticulously researched information about government accountability, constitutional rights, or pressing social issues, and it gets buried. It might show up on your profile, but it's absent from comment threads, or it gets zero likes, even from followers who are typically very engaged."

​This phenomenon, often referred to as "shadowbanning" or algorithmic suppression, creates a "chilling effect" on public discourse. When users cannot ascertain whether their content is being actively suppressed by moderation actions or simply lost in an algorithm, it stifles genuine debate and the free exchange of ideas, particularly on topics crucial to an informed citizenry.

​The Looming Threat to an Open Social Media

​As Bluesky navigates its path towards decentralization, the growing discontent over centralized moderation, perceived inconsistencies, and leadership's responses threatens to undermine its foundational promise. Critics argue that if users cannot trust that their voices will be heard fairly, regardless of their perspective, the platform risks becoming just another echo chamber, failing to deliver on its ambitious goal of fostering a truly open and equitable online public square. The calls for greater transparency, consistent policy enforcement, and respectful engagement from leadership are only growing louder as users demand a social media environment where all voices, especially those raising crucial issues, can genuinely participate.

Reported by 

HARP ON THE TRUTH

@harponthetruth.bsky.social

https://HarpOnTheTruth.blogspot.com

#harponthetruth

#jaygraber

#bluesky

#blueskycensorship



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