What is Bluesky, the fast-growing social platform welcoming fleeing X users?

In this photo illustration, the Bluesky logo is displayed on a cell phone and computer monitor on November 14, 2024 in Pasadena, California. (AFP)
In this photo illustration, the Bluesky logo is displayed on a cell phone and computer monitor on November 14, 2024 in Pasadena, California. (AFP)
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Updated 16 November 2024
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What is Bluesky, the fast-growing social platform welcoming fleeing X users?

What is Bluesky, the fast-growing social platform welcoming fleeing X users?
  • Bluesky said in mid-November that its total users surged to 15 million, up from roughly 13 million at the end of October, as some X users look for an alternative platform to post their thoughts and talk to others online

SAN FRANCISCO: Disgruntled X users are again flocking to Bluesky, a newer social media platform that grew out of the former Twitter before billionaire Elon Musk took it over in 2022. While it remains small compared to established online spaces such as X, it has emerged as an alternative for those looking for a different mood, lighter and friendlier and less influenced by Musk.
What is Bluesky?
Championed by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, Bluesky was an invitation-only space until it opened to the public in February. That invite-only period gave the site time to build out moderation tools and other features. The platform resembles Musk’s X, with a “discover” feed and a chronological feed for accounts that users follow. Users can send direct messages and pin posts, as well as find “starter packs” that provide a curated list of people and custom feeds to follow.
Why is Bluesky growing?
Bluesky said in mid-November that its total users surged to 15 million, up from roughly 13 million at the end of October, as some X users look for an alternative platform to post their thoughts and talk to others online. The post-election uptick in users isn’t the first time Bluesky has benefited from people leaving X. The platform gained 2.6 million users in the week after X was banned in Brazil in August — 85 percent of them from Brazil, the company said. About 500,000 new users signed up in one day in October, when X signaled that blocked accounts would be able to see a user’s public posts.
Across the platform, new users — among them journalists, left-leaning politicians and celebrities — have posted memes and shared that they were looking forward to using a space free from advertisements and hate speech. Some said it reminded them of the early days of Twitter more than a decade ago.
Despite Bluesky’s growth, X posted after the election that it had “dominated the global conversation on the US election” and had set new records.
Beyond social networking
Bluesky, though, has bigger ambitions than to supplant X. Beyond the platform itself, it is building a technical foundation — what it calls “a protocol for public conversation” — that could make social networks work across different platforms — also known as interoperability — like email, blogs or phone numbers.
Currently, you can’t cross between social platforms to leave a comment on someone’s account. Twitter users must stay on Twitter and TikTok users must stay on TikTok if they want to interact with accounts on those services. Big Tech companies have largely built moats around their online properties, which helps serve their advertising-focused business models.
Bluesky is trying to reimagine all of this and working toward interoperability.

 


Beyond ceasefire, India and Pakistan battle on in digital trenches

 Beyond ceasefire, India and Pakistan battle on in digital trenches
Updated 24 May 2025
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Beyond ceasefire, India and Pakistan battle on in digital trenches

 Beyond ceasefire, India and Pakistan battle on in digital trenches
  • Both states continue to push competing narratives after the four-day military standoff, which ended on May 10 with a US-brokered truce
  • Digital rights experts note how it is often laced with hate, targeting vulnerable communities like Muslims in India and Hindus in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: As Indian and Pakistani guns fell silent after trading fire for days this month, the war over facts and fiction is far from over and fierce battle rages on social media as to who won, who distorted the truth, and which version of events should be trusted.

As both states continue to push competing narratives, experts warn that misinformation, censorship and AI-generated propaganda have turned digital platforms into battlegrounds, with real-world consequences for peace, truth and regional stability.

The four-day military standoff, which ended on May 10 with a US-brokered ceasefire, resulted from an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 people last month. India accused Pakistan of backing the assault, a charge Islamabad has consistently denied.

While the truce between the nuclear-armed archfoes has since held, digital rights experts have sounded alarm over the parallel information war, which continues based on disinformation, censorship and propaganda on both sides, threatening the ceasefire between both nations.

Asad Baig, who heads the Media Matters for Democracy not-for-profit that works on media literacy and digital democracy, noted that broadcast media played a central role in spreading falsehoods during the India-Pakistan standoff to cater to an online audience hungry for “sensational content.”

“Disinformation was overwhelmingly spread from the Indian side,” Baig told Arab News. “Media was playing to a polarized, online audience. Conflict became content, and content became currency in the monetization game.”

A man clicks a picture of a billboard featuring Pakistan's Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir (C), Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf (R), and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, along a road in Peshawar. (AFP/File)

Several mainstream media outlets, mostly in India, flooded the public with fake news, doctored visuals and sensationalist coverage, fueling mass anxiety and misinformation, according to fact-checkers and experts, who say the role of media at this critical geopolitical juncture undermined journalistic integrity and misled citizens.

“I think this is a perfect example of the media becoming a tool of propaganda in the hands of a state,” said prominent digital rights activist Usama Khilji, calling on those at the helm of television and digital media outlets to independently verify state claims using tools like satellite imagery or on-ground sources.

In Pakistan, X, previously known as Twitter, had been banned since February 2024, with digital rights groups and global organizations calling the blockade a “blatant violation” of civic liberties and a threat to democratic freedoms.

But on May 7, as Pakistan’s responded to India’s missile strikes on its territory that began the conflict, the platform was suddenly restored, allowing users to access it without a VPN that allows them to bypass such restrictions by masking their location. The platform has remained accessible since.

“We were [previously] told that X is banned because of national security threats,” Khilji told Arab News, praising the government’s “strategic move” to let the world hear Pakistan’s side of the story during this month’s conflict.

“But when we actually got a major national security threat in terms of literal war, X was unblocked.”

Indian authorities meanwhile blocked more than 8,000 X, YouTube and Instagram accounts belonging to news outlets as well as Pakistani celebrities, journalists and influencers.

“When only one narrative is allowed to dominate, it creates echo chambers that breed confusion, fuel conflict, and dangerously suppress the truth,” Khilji explained.

VIRTUAL WAR

Minutes after India attacked Pakistan with missiles on May 7, Pakistan released a video to journalists via WhatsApp that showed multiple blasts hitting an unknown location purportedly in Pakistan. However, the video later turned out to be of Israeli bombardment of Gaza and was retracted.

A woman wearing a T-shirt featuring ‘OPERATION SINDOOR’ checks her mobile phone near a market area in Ludhiana. (AFP/File)

On May 8, Indian news outlets played a video in which a Pakistani military spokesperson admitted to the downing of two of their Chinese-made JF-17 fighter jets. X users later pointed out that the video was AI-generated.

Throughout the standoff both mainstream and digital media outlets found themselves in the eye of the storm, with many official and verified accounts sharing and then retracting false information. The use of AI-generated videos and even video game simulations misrepresented battlefield scenarios in real time and amplified confusion at a critical moment.

Insights from experts paint a disturbing picture of how information warfare is becoming inseparable from conventional conflict. From deliberate state narratives to irresponsible media and rampant misinformation on social platforms, the truth itself is becoming a casualty of war.

AFP Digital Verification Correspondent Rimal Farrukh describes how false information was often laced with hate speech, targeting vulnerable communities like Muslims in India and Hindus in Pakistan.

“We saw dehumanizing language, misleading visuals, and recycled war footage, often from unrelated conflicts like Russia-Ukraine or Israel-Gaza, used to stoke fear and deepen biases,” she told Arab News.


BBC Gaza documentary delay prompts withdrawal threats from doctors, whistleblowers

BBC Gaza documentary delay prompts withdrawal threats from doctors, whistleblowers
Updated 23 May 2025
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BBC Gaza documentary delay prompts withdrawal threats from doctors, whistleblowers

BBC Gaza documentary delay prompts withdrawal threats from doctors, whistleblowers
  • BBC faces mounting pressure over decision to shelve film despite legal clearance and widespread support

LONDON: Doctors and whistleblowers who featured in a BBC documentary on Gaza have threatened to withdraw their consent after the broadcaster delayed airing the film, citing an internal review.

The documentary, “Gaza: Medics Under Fire,” was scheduled to be broadcast in February but remains on hold as the BBC investigates a separate program, “Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone,” which was earlier pulled from the BBC’s iPlayer after revelations that its young narrator was the son of a Hamas official.

According to a report by The Guardian, although “Gaza: Medics Under Fire” was cleared for broadcast and approved by the BBC’s legal and editorial compliance teams, the broadcaster has reportedly requested further changes and stated the film will not be aired until the ongoing internal review concludes.

The BBC, however, has not indicated when the review is expected to be completed.

While other broadcasters have expressed interest in airing the film, the BBC has so far blocked those efforts, according to the production company.

The delay has sparked backlash from cultural figures including Susan Sarandon, Gary Lineker, Harriet Walter and Miriam Margolyes, who signed an open letter to BBC Director-General Tim Davie, accusing the corporation of “political suppression.”

“This is not editorial caution. It’s political suppression,” the letter stated. “No news organisation should quietly decide behind closed doors whose stories are worth telling. This important film should be seen by the public, and its contributors’ bravery honoured.”

More than 600 people endorsed the letter, including prominent UK actors Maxine Peake and Juliet Stevenson.

Meanwhile, Basement Films, which produced the documentary, has released additional footage from other doctors in Gaza through its social media channels.

“We have many offers from broadcasters and platforms across the world so that the searing testimonies of Gazan medics and of surviving family members can be heard, in some cases eight months after we spoke to them … We are still urging BBC News to do the right thing,” the company said in a statement.

The situation has also stirred internal concern at the BBC, particularly after the corporation’s chair, Samir Shah, described the editorial failings of “Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone” as a “dagger to the heart” of the BBC’s reputation for trust and impartiality.

A BBC spokesperson told The Guardian: “We understand the importance of telling these stories and know that the current process is difficult for those involved.”


UK newspaper The Telegraph set for US ownership

UK newspaper The Telegraph set for US ownership
Updated 23 May 2025
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UK newspaper The Telegraph set for US ownership

UK newspaper The Telegraph set for US ownership

LONDON: British right-wing newspaper The Telegraph has agreed a deal that would see it purchased by US investment group RedBird Capital Partners for £500 million ($670 million), the pair announced Friday.
RedBird has struck an “in-principle agreement” to purchase The Telegraph Media Group (TMG), which comprises the 170-year-old paper’s print and online operations, a joint statement said.
It concludes a protracted sale lasting around two years, which has involved an intervention by the previous Conservative government.
US-Emirati consortium RedBird IMI had already struck a deal for TMG in late 2023.
RedBird Capital Partners on Friday said the agreement struck with TMG makes it “the sole control owner” and “unlocks a new era of growth for the title” founded in 1855.
“RedBird’s growth strategy will include capital investment in digital operations, subscriptions and journalism as it looks to expand The Telegraph internationally.”
The US group added it is in “discussions with select UK-based minority investors with print media expertise and strong commitment to upholding the editorial values of The Telegraph.”


Council for Arab-British Understanding welcomes Lammy’s comments on Israeli bombardment

Council for Arab-British Understanding welcomes Lammy’s comments on Israeli bombardment
Updated 22 May 2025
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Council for Arab-British Understanding welcomes Lammy’s comments on Israeli bombardment

Council for Arab-British Understanding welcomes Lammy’s comments on Israeli bombardment
  • Caabu praised the UK’s decision to suspend trade talks with Israel and impose sanctions on illegal settlers and entities
  • However, it said more needs to be done to end the war on Gaza

LONDON: The Council for Arab-British Understanding has welcomed UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s description of Israel’s continued assault on Gaza as “unjustifiable, disproportionate and counterproductive.”

It also praised the UK’s decision to suspend trade talks with Israel and impose sanctions on illegal settlers and entities.

However, it said the measures “almost certainly go nowhere near far enough to stop Israeli actions,” and called for further action to be taken.

Israel’s two-month aid blockade on Gaza has sparked global outcry. The UN warned this week that it could lead to 14,000 babies dying of starvation.

The council said the UK should introduce a complete arms embargo against Israel.

“The government’s legal duty is to act to prevent genocide, as Tom Fletcher, the UN aid chief, pointed out at the UN Security Council. To do so, it needs to place a full arms embargo on Israel, including F35 components, put a ban on all trade with illegal settlements and place economic sanctions on Israel for its continued breaches of international humanitarian law.”

The council also condemned statements made by Conservative Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel who said the UK should support Israel’s aid distribution plan for Gaza and refrained from condemning what it called “the Israeli blockade and the genocidal comments from Israeli ministers.”

It said Israel’s plan “violates global humanitarian principles including providing aid on the basis of need. In her time as shadow foreign secretary, she has yet once in the House of Commons to criticize Israel nor to offer any sympathy to Palestinian civilians being bombed and starved.”


Asharq crowned ‘Telly Media Company of the Year’ globally for second year running

Asharq crowned ‘Telly Media Company of the Year’ globally for second year running
Updated 21 May 2025
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Asharq crowned ‘Telly Media Company of the Year’ globally for second year running

Asharq crowned ‘Telly Media Company of the Year’ globally for second year running
  • Network bagged 160 awards across various categories, including 25 gold, 76 silver and 59 bronze.

Riyadh: Asharq Network has won the “Telly Company of the Year” award for the second consecutive year.

The accolade recognizes the network’s efforts in producing impactful, high-quality content. In total, Asharq Network received 160 awards across various categories, including 25 gold, 76 silver and 59 bronze.

The network stood out among 13,000 record-breaking entries from five continents. Its winning work includes content from across all Asharq Network brands, including Asharq News, Asharq Business with Bloomberg, Asharq Documentary, Asharq Discovery.

“We are deeply honored to receive the Telly Company of the Year award for the second consecutive year. This achievement reflects the hard work, creativity and passion of our entire team, who continue to push the boundaries in creativity and media,” said Nabeel Alkhatib, general manager of Asharq News.

“This recognition reinforces our commitment to providing our audience with the most insightful and engaging content, tailored to the evolving needs of the Arabic-speaking world.”

Mohammed Alyousei, general manager of Asharq Discovery and Asharq Documentary, said: “Receiving this honor is a profound affirmation of our team’s unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. This global recognition motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of storytelling, ensuring that we deliver narratives that resonate and make a meaningful impact.”

Asharq Network’s storytelling and production quality were recognized across multiple categories. Asharq News and Asharq Business standout wins included coverage of the “US Elections Campaign,” the immersive VR Story on the “Destruction of Gaza,” the “Year-Ender 2024 Promo,” and the innovative “Business Image Promo — Connect the Dots.”

Asharq Documentary’s powerful “Faces” series was honored alongside compelling promos for the original documentaries “Under the Rubble,” “Beyond Sednaya,” “Moataz Aziza,” “Amazing Mercy of Tents” and “Dooms Day.” Meanwhile, Asharq Discovery’s gripping “Dark Minds” series and the dynamic “Shark Week” idents captured the judges’ attention, showcasing the network’s creative versatility and commitment to impactful content.

Steven Cheak, director of creative and branding services at Asharq Network, said: “Winning at the Telly Awards once again is a monumental achievement for our young and passionate team. Competing among such esteemed global brands only motivates us to continue elevating the standard of content creation. This year’s win underscores the brilliance of teams working well together, embracing technology, to achieve content that engage and resonate with our audiences. It’s truly inspiring to see our work being acknowledged globally, and this recognition fuels our passion to continue innovating, creating and telling stories that matter.”

The Telly Awards, established in 1979, are one of the most respected global awards programs, celebrating the best in video and television content. The awards cover a diverse range of categories, from traditional television commercials to cutting-edge digital media.