Bluesky, the decentralised social media platform founded by Twitter co-creator Jack Dorsey, has launched a verification system that includes blue checkmarks for authentic and notable accounts.
The feature is similar in concept to Twitter’s original verification model before changes implemented under Elon Musk’s leadership, when the platform was rebranded as X.
According to Bluesky, the platform will proactively verify certain users and display a blue check next to their names. The goal is to help users identify trustworthy accounts. Bluesky has also introduced a self-verification option, which allows users to set a domain as their username to further confirm their identity.
The verification process does not require payment and is being positioned as a trust-based system rather than a subscription feature. This contrasts with X’s current model, where verification is part of a paid subscription service.
Bluesky’s approach also includes a “Trusted Verifiers” feature. This allows select organisations to verify users independently, with Bluesky reviewing those verifications for accuracy.
The platform is not currently accepting public applications for verification but plans to introduce a request form for notable and authentic users, as well as organisations interested in becoming verifiers.
The update follows a period of rapid growth for Bluesky, which opened to the public in early 2024 and now reports over 20 million users. The platform focuses on user control and decentralised infrastructure, offering an alternative for users seeking different models of social networking.
Bluesky’s verification rollout marks an effort to increase transparency and reliability across its platform. Future developments may include broader access to verification and expanded tools for identity verification within its decentralised ecosystem.
This comes at a time when the young social media platform looks to give some competition to the established X but has been embroiled in alot of controversy since its takeover by Elon Musk.
This began with significant criticism over its handling of content moderation, verification, and user safety. The removal of legacy verification, introduction of paid blue checkmarks, and widespread staff cuts have raised concerns about misinformation, declining platform quality, and reduced trust among users.
