In a dramatic shift that reflects growing frustrations with online censorship, Bluesky has witnessed an explosive surge in new users—187,254 people joined the decentralized platform within just 24 hours, according to bskycheck.com. This figure marks a staggering 69.7% increase from the platform’s usual weekly user momentum, pushing its total user base to over 34 million.
But this isn’t just a spike in social media sign-ups—it’s a story of protest, political turmoil, and the search for a digital refuge.
Turkey’s Digital Exodus: What Triggered the Shift?
The sudden wave of Bluesky signups follows a series of censorship crackdowns by Elon Musk’s social media platform X (formerly Twitter). As anti-government protests rock Turkey, reports have surfaced of X suspending accounts belonging to opposition figures, journalists, and left-leaning voices—a move widely condemned by free speech advocates.
On March 22, Politico reported that X had blocked access to multiple opposition and leftist accounts, aligning with government efforts to control the narrative amidst widespread unrest. Turkish authorities have also restricted access to other platforms, including Facebook and TikTok, in a sweeping attempt to suppress public discourse and organize protests.
Political Background: İmamoğlu’s Imprisonment Sparks Outrage
At the center of the protests is Ekrem İmamoğlu, the popular mayor of Istanbul and a key opposition figure, who was jailed on March 19 on controversial charges of corruption and terrorism. Critics, including international observers and rights groups, say the charges are politically motivated and aim to block İmamoğlu’s presidential bid.
Despite being behind bars, İmamoğlu has been confirmed as the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP)’s presidential candidate. However, a conviction would legally disqualify him from running—heightening tensions across the country.
Economic Protest & Social Media Suppression
The unrest isn’t limited to online platforms. A nationwide shopping boycott campaign erupted this past week in support of İmamoğlu. Citizens were urged not to spend money and for businesses to shut down for a day as a symbolic protest. Some individuals were reportedly detained for promoting the boycott online.
The Turkish government’s pressure isn’t just limited to X. Facebook’s parent company Meta was recently fined for failing to comply with content restriction orders. According to Meta’s Transparency Report, Turkish authorities issued 5,677 requests to remove content in 2024 alone, 4,199 of which came directly from the Turkish Communications Authority. Meta complied with only 40% of the requests.
Bluesky Gains Ground as a Free Speech Platform
While X has stated a commitment to free speech, the platform has complied with content restriction requests from Turkish authorities, raising concerns among users and digital rights advocates; many Turkish citizens are turning to Bluesky, a decentralized platform built to resist such interference.
Bluesky, which has a strong public commitment to free speech and decentralization, is rapidly becoming the go-to space for voices that are increasingly silenced elsewhere. Its structure makes it harder for centralized entities—like governments or corporate giants—to moderate or suppress content.
For many Turkish users, Bluesky represents more than just a social media app; it’s a digital sanctuary.
A Larger Pattern of Digital Authoritarianism?
The rapid migration of Turkish users to Bluesky could be part of a larger global pattern where citizens in authoritarian or semi-authoritarian regimes turn to decentralized, censorship-resistant platforms. While Musk’s version of “free speech” may appear selective under government pressure, platforms like Bluesky are increasingly being seen as reliable alternatives.
This wave of digital migration isn’t just about one app gaining users, it’s about freedom of expression, resistance through technology, and the reshaping of online activism in the face of real-world oppression. As Turkey navigates a politically volatile time, the internet remains both a battleground and a beacon. And right now, Bluesky is where that light shines brightest.
