Bluesky launches DMs

Bluesky, the decentralized social media protocol, today launched direct messaging (DM) functionality within its platform. This feature allows users to send private, one-on-one messages directly through the Bluesky app or website.

Similar to other social media platforms, Bluesky DMs offer basic functionalities for text-based communication. Users can initiate conversations by searching for usernames and composing messages. By default, only users you follow on Bluesky can send you DMs. However, this setting can be adjusted to allow messages from everyone or no one.

The platform also offers basic privacy controls. Users can block individuals, preventing them from sending DMs entirely. Additionally, Bluesky allows muting notifications for specific users, while still allowing them to send messages.

Bluesky acknowledges the importance of user privacy and outlines its approach to handling DMs. The Bluesky moderation team emphasizes that in most cases, only people you follow can send you messages. Additionally, they assure users that:

• Blocked users cannot send DMs.
• Muted users can send DMs, but notifications are silenced.
• Users can report DMs directly to moderators for review based on community guideline violations.

However, Bluesky reserves the right to access DMs in rare cases to investigate broader patterns of abuse, such as spam or harassment. The platform stresses that such access would only occur under exceptional circumstances and with strict internal oversight.

Roadmap for future development

While the initial launch focuses on text-based communication, Bluesky has outlined plans for future updates, including:

• Media Support: Sending images and other media formats within DMs is planned for a future update.
• Group Chats: The ability to create group chats for direct messaging is on the development roadmap.
• End-to-End Encryption: Bluesky has expressed its commitment to implementing end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for DMs in the future. Their 2024 protocol roadmap offers more details on their technical plans for E2EE messaging.
• Safety Improvements: Bluesky acknowledges the ongoing need for anti-harassment and safety measures within the DM feature and plans to introduce further improvements in this area.

The introduction of DMs represents a significant development for Bluesky, potentially increasing user engagement and fostering a more personal social media experience. However, the success of this feature will hinge on Bluesky's ability to balance user privacy with the need for effective moderation tools. As the platform evolves, it will be crucial to monitor how Bluesky addresses user concerns and implements its roadmap for future functionalities.