Bluesky, a new microblogging platform, has recently gained significant traction as a viable alternative to X (formerly Twitter). One of its core values is creating an environment that respects users and promotes open and free discussions, distinguishing itself from the increasingly centralized and billionaire-controlled narrative of X. However, this positive image was recently tarnished when Bluesky succumbed to pressure from the Turkish government, leading to a controversial censorship event. According to TechCrunch, the Turkish authorities demanded that Bluesky restrict access to 72 accounts, citing concerns about "national security and public order." The specific accounts and their content deemed threatening remain undisclosed. The Freedom of Expression Association, a Turkish NGO focused on civil liberties, initially broke the story. Gizmodo reached out to Bluesky for comment but received no response. Despite this setback, Bluesky's partial decentralized model, based on the AT Protocol, offers Turkish users potential avenues to circumvent restrictions. This protocol, developed by Bluesky Social PBC, connects a network of websites and services known as "The Atmosphere." Users can continue to engage through various apps such as Skywalker, Skeets, and Roomy. The AT Protocol is designed to promote a more democratic and user-centric approach to social media management, reflecting Bluesky's broader mission to challenge the traditional pitfalls of centralized platforms. Bluesky's genesis is closely tied to the vision of Jack Dorsey, former CEO of Twitter. During his tenure at Twitter, Dorsey allocated $13 million to create Bluesky, aiming to develop a healthier and more constructive social media environment. Following Elon Musk's acquisition and subsequent reshaping of X, many disgruntled users migrated to Bluesky, drawn by its commitment to user freedom and autonomy. While Jay Graber, the current CEO, is steering Bluesky towards greater independence and openness, the recent censorship incident has raised questions about the platform's ability to live up to its ideals. Industry insiders are cautious in their assessments, noting that Bluesky's willingness to comply with Turkish government demands could undermine its brand value. The platform was founded to offer a cleaner and more equitable digital space, and compromising on censorship may erode trust among users. Moving forward, finding a balance between compliance with local laws and protecting user freedoms will be crucial for Bluesky. If it can navigate this complex terrain successfully, it stands a chance to maintain its position in the competitive social media landscape. On April 24, Bluesky experienced another significant challenge when it faced a major tech outage lasting approximately one hour. At 6:55 PM, Bluesky's status page reported a "major PDS network issue," indicating problems with the hosting of PDS instances. Users both on desktop browsers and mobile applications were unable to load their feeds, encountering only a spinning loading circle. The issue was verified by numerous colleagues and users across the platform. Around an hour later, at 7:38 PM, the company updated its status, identifying the root cause and initiating repair procedures. By 7:54 PM, Chief Technical Officer Paul Frazee announced on social media, "We're back," though he indicated that the team was still addressing lingering issues. Eventually, Bluesky's status page confirmed that all systems were back to normal. This recent outage was reminiscent of a similar incident in November of the previous year, where a severed fiber optic cable from an internet service provider led to service disruptions during one of Bluesky's highest traffic days. Users then reported slow feed loading speeds and delayed notifications, causing frustration and impacting the platform's reliability. While the latest outage was undoubtedly a negative experience for users, Bluesky's swift response and effective problem-solving demonstrated the company's technical proficiency and commitment to maintaining user trust. Experts agree that short-term glitches are inevitable in any growing tech platform, but rapid resolution is key. Bluesky is actively working on optimizing its technical infrastructure to reduce the frequency of such outages and ensure a smoother, more stable user experience. In summary, Bluesky has faced twin challenges—a censorship demand from the Turkish government and a significant technical malfunction. These events have tested the platform's values and technical capabilities. However, by adhering to its principles of user freedom and demonstrating effective crisis management, Bluesky may still find a strong foothold in the rapidly evolving digital ecosystem. Industry experts believe that while Bluesky's recent actions may have compromised its brand integrity, the platform's innovative approach and quick problem-solving skills remain valuable assets. If it can effectively address these challenges, Bluesky stands a good chance of becoming a leader in the social media space, offering a fresh perspective on how online communities can be managed more democratically and efficiently. Bluesky Social PBC is a socially driven Public Benefit Corporation, committed to developing technologies that foster more equitable and transparent online interactions. Its ongoing efforts to refine the AT Protocol and its supporting infrastructure underscores its dedication to creating a platform that prioritizes user autonomy and security. As it continues to grow, the company will need to carefully balance these goals with the practical demands of operating in a global, regulatory-complex environment.