In France, potential restrictions on Bluesky and Reddit have been proposed, with President Macron advocating a ban on social media platforms for minors.
In the swanky office of France's Minister of Digital Technology, Clara Chappaz, it was highlighted that certain websites could soon be categorized as porn realm dwellers. This proposed label necessitates them to enforce rigorous age verification tenets in harmony with upcoming French laws. Failure to meet these demands may bear penalties, banishment from search engines, or even censorious blockage, as was the case with a popular social network X (once known as Twitter).
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron has mulled over an outright prohibition of social networks for kiddos under 15. He's even open to enacting such a ban within France if the European Union refuses to back the idea.
However, these proposed measures have remained largely unaddressed by social networks like X, Reddit, and Bluesky. While X has rules banning access for minors, shrewd users can circumvent the restriction by simply entering any age.
France has been on a mission to safeguard kids in the digital jungle for some time now. Stricter rules for porn sites conducting mandatory age checks have already been implemented.
The enforcement of these new regulations was initially slated for June 7, but numerous platforms have voiced their disagreement with these mandates. Defiance could result in fines or blockages for these platforms.
Now, let's delve into some context:
Soaring Skies – The Bluesky Saga
Bluesky, a brainchild of ex-Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, is a decentralized social media platform running on the AT Protocol. This clever tech empowers users to customize their apps and connect with Bluesky, resulting in transparency and user control. The platform shuns ads and boasts an open and decentralized structure, attracting those seeking alternatives to traditional social media.
As of late, Bluesky has seen a whopping 36.5 million registered users[1][2][5]. However, its growth has slowed down since the last spike[2]. Trending updates include reply controls, profile search, trending topics, and expanded verification options[3]. Yet, the platform has faced criticisms, with Mark Cuban highlighting a perceived lack of diversity in thought among its users[5].
Migration - A Twitch from Twitter to Bluesky
Post-Elon Musk's Twitter acquisition in 2022, users began to migrate to alternative platforms due to shifts in policies and atmosphere. This exodus gained momentum after the U.S. presidential election in November 2024, with users, including those from Belarus or other regions, flocking to platforms like Bluesky in search of progressive and decentralized environments[1][5].
And that's the lowdown on the recent developments in the digital world. It seems the digital battlefield is changing, so keep your eyes peeled for updates!
In the midst of France's mission to safeguard children online, platforms like Bluesky, a decentralized social media platform, have been impervious to the proposed age verification policies for porn realm dwellers, as well as Emmanuel Macron's plan to prohibit social networks for kids under 15. However, these platforms may face penalties, such as fines or blockages, if they defy the new regulations. Contrarily, Bluesky, once home to numerous Twitter users seeking progressive and decentralized environments, has seen significant growth and new features added, despite controversies surrounding its user demographics and opinions.
