Bluesky has rolled out a suite of new “anti-toxicity” tools aimed at shielding users from online harassment and dogpiling. In the platform’s latest 1.90 update, users gain the ability to limit exposure to hostile interactions, including a feature that detaches their posts from being linked to in quotes by others.
This update introduces a new option for users to see all the quotes on a post they’ve made, and then detach their original post from the quotes. This prevents readers from clicking through and engaging directly. While blocking has always been an option, detaching offers a subtler way to reduce engagement.
However, Bluesky acknowledges that this could allow users spreading misinformation to disconnect their posts from corrective quotes. The platform plans to address this by introducing labeling services and potentially a Community Notes-like feature in the future.
The update also introduces the ability to hide replies, moving them to a separate “Hidden Replies” section where they can be reviewed without visibility to others. This feature mirrors a similar function on X (formerly Twitter), which has been available for some time. Additionally, the platform now limits the promotion of replies in the “Following” feed, only showcasing conversations that involve interactions between two or more followers.
Other changes include a new priority filter for notifications, showing updates only from people you follow, and an option to limit your inclusion in user-curated lists. If a user blocks someone who created a list, they’ll be automatically removed from it, except for moderation-related lists.
Bluesky is committed to continuing its efforts against online toxicity, with plans to introduce more tools to combat ban evasion, botnets, and other harmful behaviors in the coming weeks.
