Social media bans on teens risk strengthening Big Tech's grip on the sector, Bluesky exec warns

In a recent discussion at SXSW in London, Bluesky's Chief Operating Officer, Rose Wang, raised concerns about government actions aimed at banning social media platforms for teenagers. Wang argued that such measures could inadvertently reinforce the dominance of major tech companies, making it increasingly difficult for smaller platforms to compete. Wang expressed her support for youth protection but cautioned against the potential consequences of excessive regulation. "While I advocate for the safety of young users, we must consider the implications of such policies. My fear is that we may end up with only a handful of platforms, heavily regulated, where compliance teams far exceed the size of our own workforce," she stated. Bluesky, which emerged from X, formerly known as Twitter, in 2019 and was co-founded by Twitter's Jack Dorsey, has grown to around 43 million users as of March. Despite this growth, it still represents only about 10% of X's user base, which is estimated at 450 million. However, Wang noted that Bluesky has faced challenges in maintaining its user engagement, with reports of a 40% decline in daily mobile active users over the previous year. Wang emphasized the need for a balanced approach to regulation, highlighting that the current landscape often prioritizes profit over user safety. "The major platforms have led us to a point where their bottom line dictates their actions. I understand the necessity for government intervention, but regulation must evolve alongside innovation," she explained. The conversation comes on the heels of Australia implementing a blanket ban on social media for users under 16, requiring platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X, and Reddit to enforce age verification methods. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines, which serve as a warning to other nations considering similar legislation, such as the U.K., Spain, France, and Austria. In the U.S., discussions are shifting toward state-level regulations rather than a nationwide ban. Wang concluded by advocating for better communication between regulators and smaller tech companies, stressing the importance of protecting emerging players while ensuring that larger firms are held accountable. "Regulation isn't inherently bad; we need to find a way for it to co-exist with innovation to create a healthier digital environment for everyone," she said.