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Bluesky, the decentralized social media platform, is poised to introduce a new blue check verification system, according to alterations discovered in the app’s public GitHub repository. Reverse engineer alice.mosphere.at identified these modifications on Friday. This upcoming verification system aims to enhance user authentication on the Bluesky network, addressing concerns about account legitimacy and mirroring features found on other social platforms like X, formerly known as Twitter.
Bluesky’s New Verification System: A Decentralized Approach
While the blue check marks may bear visual similarities to the system popularized by X, Bluesky’s implementation appears to function in a fundamentally different manner. The core distinction lies in its decentralized nature, diverging from the centralized control model employed by its competitor.
Multi-Organization Verification Model
Codebase modifications suggest that Bluesky’s verification system will potentially utilize multiple organizations to issue blue checks. This indicates a dual approach: Bluesky will likely directly verify prominent accounts and, concurrently, designate specific organizations as “trusted verifiers.” These trusted entities will then be empowered to independently grant blue checks.
Anticipated Announcement and Launch Date
An upcoming announcement regarding Bluesky’s verification system is potentially imminent, possibly as early as Monday. This speculation arises from a blog post link located within Friday’s pull request, titled “verification,” and notably dated April 21, 2025.
Evolving Verification Strategy
Bluesky already provides users with a self-verification option by linking accounts to official websites. However, CEO Jay Graber previously indicated the company’s intention to explore alternative verification methodologies. Last year, Graber suggested Bluesky might experiment with a system where user verification is not solely managed by the platform itself.
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Visual Representation of Verification
The pull request also reveals the visual identifiers for verified accounts. A standard verified user profile will display a blue circle containing a white checkmark icon. In contrast, profiles of trusted verifier organizations will feature scalloped blue circles, also enclosing a white checkmark.
Trusted Verifiers and User Transparency
Images discovered within Bluesky’s forthcoming announcement imply that reputable news publishers, such as The New York Times, and potentially other trusted media outlets, may gain the capacity to verify users within the blue check system. The system is designed for transparency; by interacting with a user’s blue check, individuals will be able to view the organizations that have authorized the verification.
Comparison with X’s Verification Model
Bluesky’s verification method represents a significant departure from X’s operational model. X initially awarded blue checks to prominent and authentic accounts. However, under Elon Musk’s ownership, the platform shifted to a system primarily based on paid monthly subscriptions. While X has since partially reversed this decision by restoring blue checks to some influential non-paying users, the paid verification option remains.
Concerns Regarding X’s Verification System
Critics have contended that X’s approach has diminished the perceived value of the blue check, with some even alleging that bot accounts have attained verification status on the platform.
Decentralization and Future Implications
Bluesky’s decentralized strategy for verification, by distributing decision-making authority across numerous organizations, signals a potentially broader distribution of verified accounts on the platform. However, the practical effectiveness and long-term implications of this approach remain to be observed as the system is implemented and utilized.
Bluesky has not yet issued a public response to requests for comment regarding these developments.