Bluesky, the social networking service, opened its doors quietly on Thursday for those looking to get verified. In a post by Bluesky Safety, the company announced that “notable and authentic” accounts can now apply for verification using a new online form. Organizations can also request to be Trusted Verifiers to verify others, with The New York Times, Wired, and The Athletic being among the first to test this feature last month.
Some on Bluesky are not thrilled about the blue verification badge, as it brings back memories of clout-chasing on Twitter (now X). Verification on Twitter used to be a status symbol before turning into a paid perk under Elon Musk. This created a two-tier system where some were seen as more important than others. Bluesky, however, is taking a different approach to verification by allowing Trusted Verifiers outside the company and enabling users to self-verify by using a domain in their username.
With over 270,000 accounts already using domain-based verification, Bluesky’s vetting process for verification applications remains unclear. The company lists basic requirements such as having an active, complete, and secure account representing a real person, business, organization, or legitimate entity. However, the criteria for what makes an account notable is less straightforward. Bluesky looks for accounts notable within their field and region, considering indicators like professional recognition and media coverage.
Bluesky won’t respond to users unless their account is selected for verification, indicating the need to review all requests to ensure famous figures don’t slip through. The introduction of verification could impact Bluesky’s culture, which has aimed to stand out from other social networks by not elevating some users over others. While Deer.Social, a forked version of Bluesky, offers a more democratic approach to verification, allowing users to choose their verifier, Bluesky seems focused on maintaining control over the process.
As Bluesky continues to develop its verification system, it remains to be seen how it will evolve and impact the platform’s user experience. The company’s decision to allow organizations to become Trusted Verifiers and users to self-verify with domains sets it apart from Twitter’s previous verification model. While the verification process may spark debate among Bluesky users, it also provides an opportunity for the platform to establish itself as a unique and inclusive social networking service.
