Bluesky is gearing up to introduce a new blue checkmark verification system, as per the recent changes in the app’s public GitHub repository. The alterations, brought to light by reverse engineer alice.mosphere.at on Friday, hint at a verification system similar to Twitter’s iconic blue checkmark, albeit with a unique twist.
Unlike Twitter’s centralized verification process, Bluesky’s blue check system appears to rely on multiple organizations to verify notable accounts. These organizations, dubbed “trusted verifiers,” will have the authority to directly issue blue checks to users. This decentralized approach to verification aims to ensure a more robust and diverse verification process.
According to a blog post link found in the recent pull request titled “verification,” Bluesky is expected to announce the changes to its verification system as soon as Monday, with a date set for April 21, 2025. CEO Jay Graber has previously hinted at exploring alternative verification methods beyond tying accounts to official websites.
The upcoming changes will introduce new icons for verified users and trusted verifiers. Verified users will sport a blue circle with a white checkmark on their profiles, while trusted verifiers will have scalloped blue circles with a white checkmark. Additionally, an image in the forthcoming announcement suggests that reputable news publishers, like The New York Times, may also have the ability to verify users in the blue check system.
Bluesky’s approach to verification stands in stark contrast to Twitter’s recent controversies surrounding its verification process. Twitter, under the leadership of Elon Musk, has faced criticism for its pay-to-verify model and the alleged dilution of the blue check’s value on the platform.
As Bluesky embraces a decentralized verification model, the platform aims to empower multiple organizations to verify users, potentially leading to a more inclusive and transparent verification process. While the details of how this approach will function in practice remain to be seen, Bluesky’s innovative take on verification signals a new era in social media authenticity.
Despite these exciting developments, Bluesky has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the upcoming verification changes. As users eagerly anticipate the rollout of the new blue check system, the platform’s commitment to decentralization and transparency sets it apart in the ever-evolving landscape of social media verification.
