Bluesky warns users of content ‘glorifying violence’ following Charlie Kirk assassination
Bluesky has warned users about creating posts that praise violence in light of some accounts that celebrated the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
The social media platform Bluesky has warned users about creating posts that praise violence in light of some accounts that celebrated the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
“Glorifying violence or harm violates Bluesky’s Community Guidelines. We review reports and take action on content that celebrates harm against anyone. Violence has no place in healthy public discourse, and we’re committed to fostering healthy, open conversations,” Bluesky wrote in a post, according to Newsweek.
Following Kirk’s assassination on Sept. 10, Americans took to social media with mixed reactions. Many posted tributes, promises of prayers, or condemnations of violence, but others created posts or videos celebrating his death.
According to Newsweek, Reddit and Meta also had to issue similar warnings to their users. In addition to monitoring or removing posts that glorify violence, Reddit said that it is removing graphic footage of the assassination.
Other social media companies, including Meta, Discord, and YouTube are following suit, removing the most graphic portions of videos of Kirk’s death, restricting younger users from viewing the content, and adding warning labels. Newsweek reported that TikTok and X have not disclosed their moderation policies regarding content about Kirk’s death.
As Zeale previously reported, some prominent figures on the left side of the political spectrum drew criticism for their responses to Kirk’s death, including former MSNBC political analyst Matthew Dowd, Democrats in the House of Representatives who objected to praying for Kirk on the House floor, and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker.
At the same time, Americans from several different demographics and political affiliations have paid tribute to Kirk in the past few days. Detransitioners thanked him for his support of his cause, while prominent figures, including Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Harrison Butker, former Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz, and Robby Starbuck celebrated Kirk’s life and legacy.
