Gaza Crowdfunding Efforts on Bluesky Hit by Spam Filters

Gaza Crowdfunding Efforts on Bluesky Hit by Spam Filters
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The Guardian reports that Palestinians in Gaza who are using the social media platform Bluesky to crowdfund for necessities like food and medicine are having their accounts deleted by automated spam filters. The posts, which often include repeated requests for aid, are being mistakenly identified as bot-like behavior by the platform’s systems.

This issue creates a difficult situation for those seeking help, as their profiles are repeatedly removed, making it harder to connect with potential donors. In a poignant twist, the article notes that their efforts to prove they are human often lead to more posting, which further triggers the spam detection algorithms.

In response, a volunteer-led “guerrilla verification squad” has emerged. These activists independently vet and verify the crowdfunding campaigns, providing a badge of authentication to signal to donors that the requests are legitimate.

However, the article points out the limitations of this grassroots effort, including the time-consuming verification process and the reliance on third-party “receivers” outside of Gaza to handle the funds. The report concludes that a more sustainable solution is needed, noting that thousands of Bluesky users have petitioned the company to adjust its moderation practices to better accommodate the dire circumstances in Gaza.