Bluesky may soon add blue check verification | TechCrunch

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Bluesky's New Verification System

Bluesky is developing a new blue check verification system, a departure from X's (formerly Twitter's) paid model. This system, as revealed through code changes on its GitHub repository, will involve multiple organizations in the verification process.

Decentralized Verification

Instead of centralizing verification, Bluesky will designate certain organizations as "trusted verifiers," granting them the authority to issue blue checks. This approach aims to be more inclusive and less susceptible to manipulation compared to X's previous model.

Potential Launch and Functionality

The system might be launched as early as Monday, April 21, 2025, based on a blog post link found in the code. Verified users will display a blue check icon, with trusted verifiers having a slightly different icon. Tapping the blue check will reveal which organizations granted the verification.

Contrast with X's Approach

Bluesky's method contrasts sharply with X's, which has faced criticism for its inconsistent and ultimately paid verification system, leading to issues like verified bot accounts. Bluesky's decentralized approach intends to avoid these problems, though the practical implementation remains to be seen.

Key Players and Implications

  • Organizations like The New York Times are expected to participate as trusted verifiers.
  • The system aims for broader user verification but its effectiveness needs to be evaluated.
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