BlueSky to Introduce Verifiable Blue Checks

BlueSky, the decentralized social network founded by Twitter's Jack Dorsey, is introducing a major update to its verification system. Soon, the platform will not only verify individual users but will also allow certain accounts to become “trusted verifiers”. These trusted verifiers will have the authority to distribute blue checks to other legitimate accounts, creating a more structured and transparent verification process.

For example, a major publication like The New York Times could become a trusted verifier and issue blue checks to its correspondents and journalists. This is a significant departure from how platforms like X (formerly Twitter) handle verification, where anyone can get a blue check by subscribing to a paid plan, which has even led to bot accounts carrying blue ticks.

A preview of the feature shows how the new system will appear on the app. Users will be able to tap on a blue check to see who issued the verification, giving more transparency into the verification process. The system will clearly distinguish between verified accounts and trusted verifiers, showing a clear hierarchy.

This move aims to provide a more secure, trustworthy way to confirm the authenticity of accounts, reducing the risk of misinformation and enhancing the credibility of content shared on the platform.