What to know

  • Bluesky is planning to introduce a blue check verification system, as revealed by recent code changes.
  • The new system will allow trusted organizations, not just Bluesky, to verify user accounts.
  • Verified users will display a blue circle with a white checkmark, while verifiers get a distinct badge.
  • An official announcement could arrive as early as Monday, April 21, 2025.

Bluesky, the decentralized social network, is preparing to launch a new blue check verification system. This update was discovered through modifications in the platform’s public codebase. Unlike the verification system on X (formerly Twitter), which relies on a centralized or paid model, Bluesky’s approach will distribute verification authority to multiple trusted organizations.

Under the proposed system, certain organizations—such as news outlets or other established groups—will be able to verify user accounts directly. These organizations, referred to as "trusted verifiers," will have the ability to assign blue checkmarks to users. When you see a blue check on a profile, you will be able to tap it to see which organization verified the account. Verified users will display a standard blue circle with a white checkmark, while trusted verifiers themselves will have a unique scalloped blue badge with a white checkmark on their profiles.

Currently, Bluesky allows users to verify their accounts by linking them to official websites. However, CEO Jay Graber has previously indicated that the company is exploring alternative verification models. The new system aims to decentralize verification, reducing the risk of a single authority controlling the process and potentially increasing trust in verified accounts.

This move comes after significant debate within the Bluesky community. Some users have expressed concern that introducing a visual badge, especially one managed in part by Bluesky, could undermine the platform’s decentralized ethos. Others argue that the current domain-based verification is sufficient and more in line with Bluesky’s open web principles.

An official announcement about the new verification system could be made as soon as Monday, April 21, 2025. As Bluesky continues to develop its platform, the effectiveness and acceptance of this decentralized verification model will be closely watched by both users and industry observers.

Via: techcrunch