On Monday, Bluesky officially announced the rollout of its much-anticipated blue check verification feature. This confirmation puts to rest previous speculation surrounding the platform's plans for enhancing account authenticity. Similar to the original blue check system used by Twitter, Bluesky's new verification will signify that notable accounts are legitimate, thereby facilitating user trust in the authenticity of posts made by verified accounts.
In its initial phase, Bluesky will collaborate with a select group of “Trusted Verifiers.” These independent organizations will be responsible for verifying accounts as members of their teams. For instance, a company could utilize this feature to authenticate its public relations team members, providing users with confidence that these individuals are credible sources of company news.
To ensure the integrity of the verification process, Bluesky's moderation team will meticulously review each new verification request to confirm authenticity. This adds an essential layer of security, particularly in today's digital landscape where misinformation can spread rapidly.
Prior to this announcement, Bluesky had already implemented a form of verification that allowed users to link a domain they own to their username. For example, if an account is verified with the TechCrunch domain name, users can be assured that it is the real TechCrunch account, as impersonators would not have access to that domain. This mechanism has already allowed approximately 270,000 accounts to link their Bluesky usernames to their respective websites, bolstering trust on the platform.
For public figures such as celebrities, journalists, and politicians, the introduction of the blue check verification system serves as an additional safeguard against impersonation and disinformation. By utilizing this verification feature, Bluesky aims to create a more trustworthy environment for users and mitigate the risks associated with false information.
At present, Bluesky is not accepting applications for verification. However, the platform has indicated plans to introduce a request form in the future, allowing more users to seek verification and enhance their credibility on the platform. This move is part of Bluesky's ongoing commitment to improve user experience and foster a trustworthy community.
In conclusion, the introduction of the blue check verification feature on Bluesky signifies a significant step towards ensuring account authenticity. With the collaboration of Trusted Verifiers and existing verification mechanisms, users can look forward to a more reliable social media experience.
