Bluesky Under Scrutiny for Failing to Disclose EU User Numbers
Bluesky, the decentralized social network gaining traction as an alternative to X (formerly Twitter), is reportedly violating European Union (EU) transparency regulations by not disclosing its regional user counts across the bloc.
The Digital Services Act (DSA) Compliance Challenge
The EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which took full effect in February 2024, mandates that all online platforms operating in the EU must publicly report their user numbers twice annually. This rule applies regardless of a platform’s size, though stricter obligations exist for Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) with over 45 million monthly active users in the EU.
- Article 24 of the DSA requires platforms to publish EU-specific user metrics in a transparent, accessible format.
- Major players like Meta and X already comply, providing regular updates on their transparency pages.
- Bluesky, despite recently announcing it surpassed 20 million global users, has not shared EU-specific data as required.
Potential Consequences for Non-Compliance
Failure to adhere to DSA reporting rules can result in penalties of up to 1% of a company’s global annual revenue. While Bluesky’s current user base falls below the VLOP threshold, the platform must still meet baseline transparency requirements.
EU Authorities Take Action
The European Commission (EC) has reached out to member states to determine Bluesky’s operational presence in the EU, aiming to establish direct communication for compliance enforcement.
“Article 24 of the Digital Services Act requires all online platforms in the EU, including Bluesky, to report user numbers biannually,” stated EC spokesperson Thomas Regnier. “This ensures market transparency and aids in VLOP designation processes.”
Bluesky’s Response
A Bluesky spokesperson confirmed the company is “actively working with our lawyers” to achieve full compliance with EU regulations. The platform’s rapid growth—fueled by migrating users from X—adds urgency to resolving these reporting gaps.
Why This Matters
- Transparency: Public user data helps regulators and users assess a platform’s reach and impact.
- Accountability: Compliance with the DSA reinforces trust in emerging social networks.
- Competitive Landscape: As Bluesky grows, adherence to EU standards will be critical for its long-term viability in the region.
For now, all eyes are on Bluesky to see how quickly it aligns its operations with the EU’s digital governance framework.
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