Bluesky, a decentralized social network, has faced criticism for restricting access to 72 accounts in Turkey at the request of the Turkish government. This move has raised questions about the network’s commitment to openness and decentralization. However, a loophole in the network’s structure allows users to bypass censorship using third-party apps, but this solution is not permanent and comes with its own set of caveats.
Forecast for 6 months: Bluesky’s decision to restrict access to accounts in Turkey will lead to increased scrutiny of the network’s moderation policies, potentially resulting in more governments demanding similar actions. This could lead to a decline in user trust and a shift towards decentralized alternatives.
Forecast for 1 year: As more users become aware of the censorship loophole, third-party apps will gain popularity, potentially leading to a fragmentation of the Bluesky user base. This could result in a loss of momentum for the network and a decrease in its overall influence.
Forecast for 5 years: The decentralized social media landscape will continue to evolve, with Bluesky and other networks facing increased competition from Mastodon and other decentralized alternatives. As governments continue to exert pressure on social media platforms, decentralized networks will become increasingly attractive to users seeking greater control over their online presence.
Forecast for 10 years: Decentralized social media will become the norm, with Bluesky and other networks either adapting to the changing landscape or becoming relics of the past. The concept of a single, centralized social media platform will be a thing of the past, replaced by a diverse array of decentralized networks catering to different user needs and preferences.
