Bluesky will begin verifying ‘notable’ users
On Thursday, Bluesky quietly opened the application process for users who wish to become verified on its social networking platform.
The company announced via its Bluesky Safety account that “notable and authentic” accounts can now apply for verification using a new online form.
Additionally, organizations can apply to become Trusted Verifiers, granting them access to tools that enable them to verify other accounts. Bluesky began testing this feature last month with a select group of organizations, including The New York Times, Wired, and The Athletic.
Some users on Bluesky view the blue verification badge with skepticism, as it evokes memories of the status-seeking behavior seen on Twitter (now X). On Twitter, verification became a coveted status symbol before it was transformed into a paid feature under Elon Musk’s ownership, creating a two-tier system that suggested some users were more important than others.
In contrast, Bluesky’s verification process incorporates various methods beyond just the blue badge.
Users can also self-verify by linking a domain to their username, similar to how NPR has done with its account @npr.org. So far, over 270,000 accounts have adopted this domain-based verification approach.
Bluesky says notable accounts must be notable within their “field and geographic region” and will probably consider an array of indicators, such as “professional recognition, media coverage in established publications, presence on credible reference platforms, or other evidence of public interest.
” There may exist other specific notability factors” related” to some verification categories, but presumably, Bluesky is silent on what those are-bringing uncertainty there.
“We consider the overall context and public interest value of each account. Please provide links and evidence that can help us ensure that your account meets notability criteria,” states the form.
It says the company will not respond to users unless their accounts are selected for a verification process, meaning someone must screen inbound requests and ensure they don’t let any celebrities or other famous figures slip through the gaps.
The introduction of verification feels like it could have an impact on Bluesky’s culture, which has so far distinguished itself from social networks like Twitter/X and Threads that promoted some users over others. Perhaps announcement would have benefited from being made after growing the network of Trusted Verifiers — organizations independent from Bluesky itself. This would more directly communicate Bluesky’s aspirations of not being a centralized authority.
Elsewhere in the ecosystem, a forked version of Bluesky called Deer.Social has taken a more democratic approach to verification.
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