Bluesky, a rapidly growing social networking startup that aims to be an alternative to Twitter and X, recently announced a new approach to user account verification. Unlike traditional social media platforms, such as Meta and X, that offer verification through a pay-for-privilege model, Bluesky envisions a system where multiple verification providers can cater to the diverse needs of its community.
Currently, the only way to verify an account on Bluesky is by adopting a custom domain name, a feature introduced by the company last year. This unique domain name helps users identify legitimate accounts, such as @nytimes.com, as belonging to the actual publication. Additionally, Bluesky addresses issues of impersonation promptly as they arise.
However, Bluesky recognizes that custom domains may not be the only solution for verification in the future. The company is exploring the idea of having multiple verification providers coexist on the platform. This means that users could choose to trust Bluesky’s verification service or opt for other providers to verify their accounts.
Bluesky’s CEO, Jay Graber, explained that the company is considering a decentralized verification model where no single entity has sole control over the verification process. This approach marks a departure from the traditional and evolving verification systems seen on platforms like Twitter and X.
On Twitter, verification has historically been a contentious issue, with some users feeling excluded from the verification process. Under new ownership, Twitter attempted to democratize verification by allowing users to pay for verification, but this led to abuse of the system by individuals seeking to impersonate others.
In contrast, Bluesky aims to create a verification infrastructure that empowers users to verify others based on their own criteria and policies. This decentralized approach could allow various entities, such as universities or fan groups, to verify users according to specific affiliations or memberships.
The challenge for Bluesky lies in presenting multiple verifications to users in a clear and coherent manner. The company is exploring different ways to display verifications, such as badges, and considering how third-party apps should showcase these verifications.
As Bluesky experiences rapid growth, with millions of new users joining the platform, the company is focused on developing features that enhance user experience and differentiate it from competitors like Meta’s X. Long-term plans include integrating user profiles with personal websites and other social media accounts, similar to platforms like Linktree.
While specific features and timelines are still being developed, Bluesky’s innovative approach to verification and user engagement sets it apart in the social networking landscape. As the company continues to evolve and expand its user base, it remains committed to providing a platform that prioritizes transparency, authenticity, and user empowerment.
