Should Public Safety Agencies Create Accounts on BlueSky or TruthSocial?

Social media platforms are critical tools for public safety agencies when it comes to engaging with the community, delivering timely information, and building public trust. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have long been the go-to choices, offering wide reach and diverse demographics. But as newer platforms such as BlueSky and TruthSocial emerge, the question arises—should public safety agencies consider creating accounts on these politically charged platforms?

This article examines the pros and cons of public safety agencies using BlueSky and TruthSocial, the risks involved, and practical steps to create accounts while safeguarding public trust and neutrality.

BlueSky

BlueSky, developed as a decentralized social network by Jack Dorsey, focuses on giving power back to users. While it was intended to foster free and open conversation, some perceive the platform as appealing to more progressive or left-leaning users.

TruthSocial

TruthSocial, founded by Trump Media & Technology Group, positions itself as a response to perceived censorship on mainstream platforms. It primarily attracts right-leaning users seeking a space for conservative viewpoints.

Both platforms carry strong political connotations, making decisions to join them more complex for public safety agencies, which must remain neutral in the eyes of the public.

Pros

1. 1. Expanded Audience Reach
      Joining either platform offers access to niche and politically engaged user bases, enabling agencies to disseminate critical safety updates to diverse communities.
   2. Decentralization (BlueSky)
      BlueSky’s decentralized model could allow agencies greater control over data, privacy, and moderation of their accounts.
   3. Community Engagement (TruthSocial)
      TruthSocial’s active community offers opportunities to engage a demographic that may feel underserved or overlooked by public safety messaging on traditional platforms.
   4. Platform Exclusivity
      Being early adopters of emerging platforms positions agencies as forward-thinking, tech-savvy, and accessible to modern audiences.

Cons

1. 1. Risk of Perceived Political Bias
      Joining politically charged platforms could lead to accusations of aligning with specific political beliefs, impacting the agency’s perceived neutrality and public trust.
   2. Reputation Management
      Associating with platforms that have been linked to controversies, misinformation, or divisive rhetoric could damage the agency’s standing.
   3. Moderation Challenges
      Both platforms may struggle with moderation, opening the door to hate speech, misinformation, and inflammatory discussions on agency posts.
   4. Limited User Base
      Compared to mainstream platforms, BlueSky and TruthSocial have smaller audiences, limiting the potential reach and impact of agency communications.
   5. Resource Requirements
      Monitoring and managing additional platforms require time, staffing, and training, diverting resources from other priorities.

• • Perception of Neutrality
    Agencies should clearly communicate that their goal is to share public safety updates without endorsing any political viewpoint.
  • Social Media Policies
    Establish and enforce policies that set boundaries for employee conduct, respectful engagement, and content accuracy.
  • Content Moderation
    Actively monitor comments and messages to manage misinformation, hate speech, and inappropriate content promptly.
  • Reputational Risk Assessment
    Evaluate how joining these platforms aligns with long-term public trust and the community’s expectations of neutrality.
  • Tone and Messaging
    Maintain a neutral and professional tone, focusing solely on public safety and avoiding any engagement in politically charged discussions.

Creating an Account on BlueSky

1. 1. Request an Invitation
      BlueSky operates on an invite-only basis. Request an invite from the platform or explore partnerships for access.
   2. Set Up the Profile
      Use the agency’s official branding, including logos and contact information, for credibility.
   3. Customize Decentralization Preferences
      Configure decentralization settings for data ownership and content moderation tailored to your needs.
   4. Craft your First Post
      Post a professional and welcoming message explaining the agency’s presence on the platform.

Creating an Account on TruthSocial

1. 1. Register an Account
      Visit TruthSocial’s website or app and sign up with the agency’s official email address.
   2. Complete Profile Information
      Input contact details, service information, and an official team-approved bio to establish legitimacy.
   3. Optimize Privacy Settings
      Familiarize yourself with privacy and moderation tools to reduce risks of interacting with harmful content.
   4. Post a Neutral Introduction
      Share a non-political, safety-focused post as the agency’s first message to users.

Deciding whether to join politically charged platforms like BlueSky or TruthSocial is no small feat for public safety agencies. While these platforms offer opportunities to reach unique audiences, the risks of being perceived as politically biased or associated with misinformation are significant. To proceed effectively, agencies must weigh potential benefits against reputational cost and prioritize clear, neutral, and informative communications.

If your agency does choose to expand to these platforms, ensure your team is equipped with well-defined policies for professional conduct, moderation, and community engagement. The stakes are high, but with thoughtful planning, your agency can successfully utilize these platforms to fulfill its mission of keeping communities informed and safe.