After X, BlueSky users in Pakistan face accessibility issues

Pakistani social media users are reporting issues with accessing BlueSky, a platform often considered an alternative to Twitter (now X). Since this morning, users claim they cannot use the BlueSky app without a VPN, raising concerns that it might have been blocked in the country.

BlueSky recently gained more popularity
in Pakistan after the government restricted VPNs and made accessing X difficult. Developed by Twitter’s former CEO Jack Dorsey in 2019, BlueSky offers features similar to X. Over the last two days, many Pakistanis joined the platform and were pleased to find it working without a VPN. However, the sudden access issues today have left users frustrated.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) recently announced a crackdown on unregistered VPNs. According to PTA Chairman Major General (R) Hafeez-ur-Rehman Pasha, all unregistered VPNs will be banned after November 30 . These restrictions have already made it harder for users to access platforms like X, pushing them to explore alternatives like BlueSky.

Globally, BlueSky gained popularity during the U.S. presidential elections when many Hollywood celebrities and others switched from X due to its leadership under Elon Musk and his close ties with Donald Trump. In Pakistan, it was quickly becoming the go-to alternative, but today’s issues have disappointed its growing user base.

Pakistani users are expressing their frustration over limited access to both X and its alternatives. They urge the government to ensure free and open access to the internet, arguing that restricting platforms hinders their ability to stay connected and informed.