Bluesky vs. X: Which social media platform offers better privacy and control?

Imagine switching social media platforms felt as simple as resetting a forgotten password: one click, a short wait, and you’re into a new world. For many users, moving from X (formerly Twitter) for Bluesky has been a bit like that—except instead of just resetting an account, they’re resetting expectations for privacy and control.

Bluesky and X have both captured attention but for different reasons. While X, under Elon Musk’s ownership, has leaned heavily into deregulation and broad freedom of expression, Bluesky offers a different promise. It’s about user-driven control, customizable moderation, and a focus on creating safer, more tailored spaces. For users feeling overrun by too many opinions online, the appeal is strong.

But how do these platforms really stack up when it comes to privacy, security, and giving users a say in their online experience? More importantly, does Bluesky truly offer a refreshing change, or does it come with its own set of challenges? Let’s find out! 

Read more: The Twitterverse in Numbers

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What is Bluesky and why are users switching platforms?

In recent months, Bluesky has been making waves as users search for a fresh start. The draw is that it’s a platform emphasizing privacy, user control, and a sense of security. This is catching attention for a good reason.

Currently, dissatisfaction with X has been brewing. Increased bot activity and concerns around content accuracy and moderation have left some users feeling frustrated. While X’s stance on broad freedom of expression has helped it build a user base of 588 million, it has also led to a surge in content that can sometimes feel chaotic.

Enter Bluesky. The platform has seen a notable increase in growth, recently crossing the 18 million user mark, with 1.25 million new sign-ups in just one week following a high-profile U.S. election period. Its appeal lies in giving users more control over their online environment, with tools that allow them to tailor their feeds, manage interactions, and prioritize what they want to see. 

But, while this customization can create a more focused and intentional experience, it also raises important questions about the potential for echo chambers—where users may only encounter content that aligns with their perspectives. This approach can be a double-edged sword, providing control but potentially limiting exposure to diverse viewpoints.

Bluesky’s moderation vs. X’s deregulation: A tale of two approaches

When it comes to moderation, Bluesky and X are taking distinctly different paths. Bluesky puts control in the hands of its users, offering tools to customize their experience. You can mute specific words, tags, and accounts, or use moderation lists for broader content control. User-selectable algorithms allow for tailored feeds, giving you more say in what you see and how you engage. This approach creates a focused and more controlled environment, but it also raises the possibility of limiting exposure to different viewpoints.

X, on the other hand, takes a broader approach to content moderation, with fewer restrictions designed to encourage open conversations. This appeals to users who enjoy unfiltered discussions and a wide range of perspectives. But with this openness come challenges—like increased bot activity. For some, the lack of heavy-handed moderation also fosters dynamic and diverse exchanges; for others, it can feel like a space that demands more effort to navigate safely.

Bluesky vs. X: Key privacy and security differences

User customization and data control

Bluesky puts users in charge of their feeds with customizable algorithms, letting you prioritize posts from mutual followers, dive into niche topics, or filter content based on your interests. It’s all about giving you a say in what you see. But managing this level of personalization can feel hands-on, and there’s always the risk of creating a bubble where other viewpoints get filtered out.

X, on the flip side, relies on platform-driven feeds to serve up a wide array of trending topics and conversations. This can mean exposure to diverse perspectives and spontaneous interactions, which some users appreciate for the variety. However, for those who crave a tailored experience, the broader approach might feel less personal and harder to fine-tune.

Moderation and safety tools

Bluesky’s moderation tools give users the reins. You can mute specific words, tags, or entire accounts and even create moderation lists to shape your experience. It’s a way to craft a space that feels more aligned with your preferences. However, too much control can also mean less exposure to different ideas, potentially leading to information bubbles and groupthink.

X’s moderation style leans toward fewer restrictions, promoting open conversations and unfiltered dialogue. For some, this encourages dynamic discussions and a wider range of viewpoints. However, it also brings challenges like navigating bot activity and content that can vary in accuracy or reliability. It’s a mix of freedom and unpredictability that appeals to some and feels chaotic to others.

Verification and authenticity

In an effort to enhance trust and transparency, Bluesky offers users the option to tie their handles to custom domains. This means a business, for instance, could use a handle like @companyname.com, linking their online identity to a verified source. For public figures, this can be a handy way to maintain credibility and reduce the risk of impersonation. 

X, meanwhile, has seen its verification methods evolve over time, often sparking debate over accessibility, reliability, and effectiveness. While both platforms strive for authenticity, their approaches reflect different visions of what verification should accomplish—and who it should serve.

Read more: X wants to remove the block feature. Here’s what it means for your privacy.

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Bluesky vs. X: Which should you choose?

Choosing between Bluesky and X comes down to what you value most in your social media experience. Bluesky offers a refreshing, user-centric approach focused on privacy, control, and curated interactions. For those fed up with rigid algorithms and chaotic content feeds, it can feel like taking back control. 

But it’s important to acknowledge that Bluesky’s smaller user base and its newcomer status mean fewer connections and a potentially narrower range of content compared to X’s vast reach of over 251 million global daily active users. The extensive control Bluesky offers gives users more say in their online environment and offers a sense of security, but it can also limit exposure to differing viewpoints, increase groupthink, and reduce broader engagement.

X, on the other hand, is the established giant, known for its expansive network and fast-paced engagement. If you crave unfiltered conversations, spontaneous interactions, and a broad range of topics, X delivers. But with that openness comes challenges: increased exposure to bots and conflicting narratives. While X’s more open approach offers broad reach and diverse exposure, it means users need to be proactive about navigating privacy and security concerns. Tools for reporting content exist, but maintaining safety and control often falls on individual users.

At the end of the day, it’s all about trade-offs. Bluesky’s emphasis on user-driven moderation and security makes it appealing to those who want a more intentional online presence. But whether it can maintain this level of control as it scales up is a real question—just as X had to evolve to keep pace with user demands and regulatory pressures. For those who prefer a more controlled, curated experience, Bluesky is a compelling option, even with the risk of echo chambers. Meanwhile, if you’re drawn to scale, freedom of expression, reach, and the energy of a vast network, X remains the familiar heavyweight.