Bluesky to Give Users Control Over AI Data Use: What You Need to Know

AI companies are constantly collecting data from the internet to train their systems, and social media platforms are one of their main sources. But Bluesky – recently popular decentralized social network is taking steps to give users control over how their data is used.

As an alternative to X (formerly Twitter), Bluesky has quickly grown in popularity and is now working on a system that will let users decide if AI can use their posts.

Bluesky’s Plan to Protect User Data

Bluesky CEO Jay Graber recently spoke at the SXSW conference and confirmed that the company is developing a policy to let users control AI data usage. This move comes after reports that AI models had already been trained using Bluesky posts, raising concerns about privacy.

Unlike X, which allows its sister company xAI to train AI on user content, Bluesky does not use its own data for AI development. However, because it is an open-source and decentralized platform, it cannot completely stop outside companies from using public posts. The solution? A system that lets users set their own data preferences.

How Will This Work?

Bluesky’s proposal, available on GitHub, suggests that users will have two ways to control AI access to their posts:

• Account Level: Users can opt out of AI training entirely.

• Post Level: Users can mark specific posts as off-limits for AI training.

Graber compared this system to how websites use robots.txt files to tell search engines whether they can be indexed. While AI companies would have to voluntarily respect these settings, creating an industry standard could encourage compliance.

Why Is This Important?

People are becoming more concerned about AI using their content without permission. Social media posts are valuable for AI training because they contain real human conversations, making AI systems more natural and effective. The problem is that many users don’t realize their content could be used this way.

With the company’s new system, users will have more control and transparency over how their posts are handled. While Bluesky app cannot physically block AI companies from accessing public data, setting clear rules may encourage other platforms to follow suit.

Bluesky’s Growth and New Features

Bluesky app has gained over 32 million users in just two years, mainly due to dissatisfaction with X’s direction. It stands out for its decentralized nature and open-source model. In addition to AI data controls, the company has introduced several new features:

• Longer Videos: Users can now upload videos up to three minutes long (previously limited to 60 seconds).

• Better Messaging Controls: A new inbox separates message requests from unknown users.

• Easier Moderation: Muting and reporting content is now simpler.

• Trending Topics in More Languages: Currently, this feature is only in English, but other languages will be added soon.

What’s Next For Bluesky App?

There is no set date for when AI data control features will be available, but the company is actively working on it. The company is also discussing the system with regulators and partners to ensure it is widely accepted.

As AI regulations continue to evolve, Bluesky’s approach could set a new standard for user control over public data.