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Technology
11 March 2025

Bluesky CEO Advocates For User Control At SXSW

Jay Graber unveils plans for data consent framework as Bluesky grows to over 32 million users.

At the prestigious SXSW conference in Austin on March 10, 2025, Bluesky CEO Jay Graber addressed the growing importance of user consent when it pertains to data usage for generative artificial intelligence (AI). Highlighting the social network's commitment to decentralization and user control, Graber revealed significant developments underway at Bluesky, which has recently ballooned to over 32 million users since its inception two years ago.

Graber underscored Bluesky's initiative to create a framework for user consent, ensuring users have the authority to dictate how their data may be utilized by AI systems. “We really believe in user choice,” she asserted, explaining how the proposed system would allow individuals to specify their preferences much like how websites utilize robots.txt files to manage web scraping by search engines.

Graber's speech was part of her larger mission to bolster user empowerment in social media, particularly against the backdrop of billionaire-controlled platforms, which she views as detrimental to user interests. Donning a T-shirt emblazoned with the Latin phrase "Mundus sine Caesaribus," translating to “A world without Caesars,” Graber took aim at Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, who previously wore the rival slogan "Aut Zuck aut nihil"—meaning “Zuck or nothing”—at his own media events.

The burgeoning platform’s rapid growth has made it very appealing to users disenchanted with established corporate giants. Following significant changes made by Twitter, where about 700,000 users fled to Bluesky for “real human connection,” the decentralized alternative has proven increasingly viable. Graber noted, “If a billionaire tried to ruin things, users could just leave—without losing their identity or data,” reflecting the company’s emphasis on user autonomy and open-source philosophy.

Giving users control over their digital experience involves introducing innovative moderation models. “Moderation is governance,” Graber stated, highlighting how Bluesky’s user-driven content moderation allows individuals to implement third-party tools to personalize their content feeds, as opposed to adhering to arbitrary corporate rules. This distinction sets Bluesky apart from conventional social media networks.

While enhancing user control, the platform has also encouraged tons of creativity within its ecosystem, leading to the emergence of third-party applications like Flashes—a unique photo-sharing service—and Flushing.im, which offers humorous tracking of bathroom visits. “We’re not just creating another social network; it’s about giving users the tools to build anything,” Graber remarked.

Despite these strides, platform sustainability presents challenges. Bluesky is actively pursuing subscription models and developer services aimed at ensuring financial independence without compromising core values due to potential outside investor influence. Graber remains hopeful, believing users will support platforms dedicated to genuine interests and transparency, asserting, “I don’t believe there should be toxicity present on social media.”

Was this vision enough to redefine social media as we know it? Only time will tell, but Bluesky is certainly positioning itself as the frontrunner for those seeking to reclaim their digital lives.