In April 2025, Bluesky, the decentralized social media platform, faced government-imposed censorship in Turkey. The Turkish authorities requested the restriction of 72 accounts, citing concerns over national security and public order. Consequently, users in Turkey can no longer access these accounts, effectively limiting their reach within the country.
This development has sparked discussions about Bluesky’s commitment to decentralization and openness. Many Turkish users had migrated to Bluesky from other platforms, seeking refuge from governmental censorship. The platform’s compliance with Turkish authorities’ demands has led some to question whether Bluesky is as decentralized as it claims to be.
Bluesky operates on the AT Protocol, which allows for the creation of third-party applications that can interact with the platform’s content. These third-party apps, collectively known as the Atmosphere, currently do not enforce the same geographic restrictions as the official Bluesky app. This means that users in Turkey can potentially access the censored content through these alternative applications.
The situation highlights the complexities of maintaining a decentralized platform while complying with local laws and regulations. As Bluesky continues to evolve, it will need to navigate these challenges to uphold its commitment to free expression and user autonomy.
