Bluesky, the social media platform founded as part of Twitter (now X) in 2019, has officially established its European Union (EU) headquarters in Belgium. This move ensures the platform’s compliance with the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) and places the Belgian telecom regulator in charge of overseeing Bluesky’s operations in Europe.
EU Headquarters for DSA Compliance
Bluesky’s decision to set up its legal headquarters in Belgium follows scrutiny from the European Commission. The Commission had raised concerns over Bluesky’s rapid growth and its legal presence in Europe, as user numbers surged. With this new development, Bluesky joins the ranks of other tech companies that must register their EU headquarters to comply with the DSA, ensuring transparency and accountability in their operations.
The DSA mandates that platforms with significant user bases in the EU, known as Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs), must comply with strict regulations, such as risk assessments and transparency reports. Bluesky, with just 20 million global users, is not yet classified as a VLOP. However, it will still be subject to national oversight, with the Belgian Institute of Post and Telecommunications (BIPT) overseeing its compliance with the DSA.
Bluesky’s Rapid Growth
Bluesky has gained significant traction since transitioning from an invite-only platform to an open app in 2024. Following the US presidential election, many users moved away from Twitter (now X) under Elon Musk’s ownership, boosting Bluesky’s user base, which is primarily located in the US, Brazil, and Japan.
Despite its growing influence, Bluesky remains a far cry from platforms like Facebook, Amazon, and Shein, which have surpassed the 45 million-user threshold required for VLOP status. However, the company’s rapid expansion signals its increasing role in the social media landscape.
Belgium’s Regulatory Role
Belgium’s BIPT, which also oversees Telegram’s EU operations, will monitor Bluesky’s compliance with the DSA. As part of the EU’s efforts to regulate digital platforms, the DSA aims to ensure that platforms, including Bluesky, are held accountable for their actions, particularly as they continue to grow in influence.
By establishing its headquarters in Belgium, Bluesky is positioning itself to meet the EU’s digital regulations while expanding its user base. The company’s compliance with the DSA will be closely watched as it continues to grow and evolve in the competitive social media landscape.