Bluesky toughens moderation, quickens enforcement, and adds zen mode

Bluesky is moving to stricter content moderation and enforcement in an effort to promote healthier conversations on its platform. These updates will introduce faster escalation of enforcement, meaning users who violate guidelines may receive fewer warnings before their accounts are restricted or deactivated. The company says it will focus more on curbing harassment and toxic content while encouraging constructive dialogue.

The shift follows an August feedback process that drew over 14,000 responses, many raising concerns about impacts on creative expression and marginalized voices. In response, Bluesky is revising its guidelines with clearer language and adding features to help users understand when content may violate rules, including potential alerts before posting.

Upcoming changes also include a new “zen mode” for calmer default settings and prompts encouraging more constructive engagement. The guidelines add a new section on protected expression, such as journalism and education, and explicitly ban sexual content involving non-consensual activity, including animated or synthetic depictions. The new policies take effect October 15.