Bluesky, the decentralized social platform touted as a haven from the algorithmic dominance of X (formerly Twitter), has come under fire for introducing a controversial “hotness” sorting feature for replies.
The update, which prioritizes replies with recent likes by default, has triggered user outrage for echoing the popularity-driven mechanics many sought to escape.
The European Commission has been investigating Bluesky for non-compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA), highlighting the tension between decentralized innovation and regulatory expectations.
User Backlash Over Default Sorting Choices
Bluesky’s 1.95 update introduced “hot replies first” as the default sorting option, a feature that ranks replies based on recent likes. The platform offers alternatives such as sorting by “oldest first,” “newest first,” “most liked,” and a randomized option called “Poster’s Roulette,” but the new default emphasis on “hotness” has dominated the discussion.
Bluesky explained the feature via its official account: “With this release, you can now display replies by “hotness,” which weights liked replies that are more recent more heavily.”
📢 App Version 1.95 is rolling out now (1/6) Lots of bugfixes and performance improvements in this one!
— Bluesky (@bsky.app) November 27, 2024 at 9:40 PM
Criticism was swift and widespread. Users accused the platform of adopting algorithms reminiscent of X, undermining the ethos of meaningful, user-centric interaction that had drawn them to Bluesky.
Author and illustrator Jamie McKelvie articulated the frustration, stating, “Prioritizing ‘popular’ like this is one of the main reasons all the other social media sites became awful and encourages shitty behavior.” Other users shared similar opinions.
Although users can change their default settings in “Thread Preferences,” the choice to make “hotness” the default has raised questions about Bluesky’s strategic direction. For many, the feature feels like a betrayal of the decentralized values that distinguish it from competitors.
Making “hotness” the default is a terrible change. Let’s not speed run to be X or FB, okay?
— Marc Ruvolo (@marcruvolo.bsky.social) November 28, 2024 at 11:12 PM
EU Compliance Efforts Underway
The European Commission recently flagged Bluesky for seemingly failing to meet transparency requirements under the DSA, which mandates platforms provide user statistics and a legal representative within the EU. A Bluesky spokesperson confirmed to Bloomberg that the company is consulting its legal team on how to provide the requested information.
Germany’s Federal Network Agency, the country’s designated Digital Services Coordinator (DSC), confirmed that it was recently contacted by the EU Commission to assess whether Bluesky has a branch, a legal representative, or has otherwise engaged with the DSC. The German DSC responded that Bluesky has not fulfilled these requirements.
The Commission’s inquiries reflect broader concerns about how decentralized platforms comply with centralized regulatory frameworks. Bluesky must act when a national coordinator becomes actively involved, with that DSC representing all EU member states.
The Federal Network Agency, however, has decided not to take further steps for now. “No further steps are required at present,” a spokesperson confirmed to German outlet heise online, effectively closing the case in Germany temporarily.
Related: The Rise of Bluesky: From Twitter Sideproject to Refuge for Fleeing X Users
Explosive Growth Tests Moderation Systems
Bluesky’s rapid user growth — now exceeding 23 million — has brought significant operational challenges.
The platform’s moderation strategy is closely tied to its decentralized architecture. Bluesky relies on Personal Data Servers (PDSs), which allow users to store data independently of the platform. This enhances privacy and control but complicates centralized moderation efforts, particularly as the platform scales. The challenge lies in balancing the autonomy of decentralization with the need for robust user protections.
At the heart of Bluesky’s operation is the Authenticated Transfer (AT) Protocol, a decentralized networking system designed to separate data storage from user interaction.
This empower users to customize their experiences, from algorithmic transparency to feed curation. However, they also pose scalability challenges. As Bluesky grows, the reliance on decentralized components requires innovative approaches to ensure operational efficiency, user safety, and regulatory compliance.
Bluesky’s challenges underscore the complexities of building decentralized platforms in a highly regulated and competitive social media landscape. While its innovative architecture offers significant advantages in privacy and user autonomy, it also presents operational hurdles that must be addressed to ensure long-term viability. Whether Bluesky can navigate regulatory demands, user expectations, and financial pressures will determine its role in shaping the future of social media.
