In recent weeks, the social media platform Bluesky has surged in popularity, attracting millions of new users. However, the platform’s CEO, Jay Graber, faced scrutiny during a BBC interview when she incorrectly stated the minimum age requirement for users. While Graber claimed that users must be at least 18 years old, the actual age limit is 13. This miscommunication raises important questions about user safety and data handling on the platform.
During her appearance on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Breakfast program, Graber discussed Bluesky’s approach to age verification. She explained that while users are asked to input their date of birth during sign-up—a process referred to as age-gating—there is no mechanism in place to verify this information through identification checks.
Graber emphasized the importance of privacy when handling user data, noting that Bluesky does not collect sensitive identification documents to prevent misuse of personal information.
Following the interview, Bluesky clarified its age policy with the BBC, confirming that the minimum age for users is indeed 13. Additionally, they highlighted that the app includes features designed to make content safer for younger audiences.
Bluesky has seen a dramatic increase in sign-ups since recent political events, notably following the U.S. election results. Graber attributed this growth to the platform’s user-friendly environment free from harassment and spam—issues prevalent on other social media sites.
She remarked on how users have responded positively to their experience on Bluesky, which has contributed to its rapid expansion.
As of September, Bluesky reported nine million users; this figure has since more than doubled to over 20 million, although it still trails behind competitors like X (formerly Twitter) and Meta’s Threads.
Bluesky was originally developed by Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter, who stepped down from its board last year. Despite his absence, the platform appears to be capitalizing on a growing discontent with X under Elon Musk’s ownership.
As political divisions continue to influence user behavior across social media platforms, Bluesky’s growth reflects a shifting landscape in online communication. With ongoing discussions about monetization strategies—such as potential subscription models—Bluesky aims to enhance its offerings while maintaining user privacy and safety.
In summary, while Bluesky experiences rising popularity amid political turbulence, issues surrounding age verification and user privacy remain critical challenges that could shape its future trajectory in the competitive social media arena.
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