Bluesky Verification: Answers to Your Burning Questions

Bluesky's New Verification System: Addressing User Concerns

The recent introduction of a verification system by Bluesky has prompted considerable discussion among its users. Questions regarding selection criteria, potential external involvement, and the future of self-verification are prevalent.

Understanding the New System

Following a prior disclosure, Bluesky formally announced on Monday the implementation of its verification protocol. This system aims to authenticate the identities of prominent individuals on the platform.

Although sharing similarities with Twitter’s previous verification method—before its shift to a paid model under Elon Musk—Bluesky’s approach is distinct.

It leverages the company’s decentralized principles by empowering external organizations to independently verify user accounts.

Clarifying the Verification Process

Bluesky initially outlined the process in a blog post. However, extensive queries on platforms like Reddit and within Bluesky’s own post replies suggest a lack of complete understanding regarding the verification mechanism.

To address these uncertainties, we have compiled a selection of frequently asked questions to provide clarity on the verification process and its implementation.

How Information Was Gathered

Despite requests for direct commentary, Bluesky did not respond to TechCrunch. Therefore, our responses are based on official company documentation and statements made by Bluesky’s leadership team.

We aim to answer the questions most commonly raised by the user community.

Key Aspects of the System

• Decentralized Approach: Bluesky allows multiple entities to verify users.
• Identity Assurance: The primary goal is to confirm that individuals are who they represent themselves to be.
• Transparency: The company has published documentation outlining the process.

This new system represents a significant step in establishing trust and authenticity within the Bluesky network.

Beyond Bluesky: Identifying Authorized Verification Entities

A key detail absent from Bluesky’s initial announcement concerned the specific organizations, beyond Bluesky itself, granted the capacity to verify users. The platform clarifies that Trusted Verifiers represent those entities authorized by Bluesky to assign blue checkmarks.

Currently, The New York Times serves as the sole publicly cited example, empowered to issue verification badges to its journalistic staff.

The question of which other organizations possess this authority, and the criteria used for their selection, remains unanswered by Bluesky.

Uncertainty Regarding Future Partnerships

It remains unknown whether Bluesky has additional organizations slated for early access to the Trusted Verifier program. No prospective partners were disclosed alongside the initial announcement.

This lack of transparency contributes to a perception that the verification rollout is happening prematurely. Users are eager to witness practical demonstrations of the decentralized verification system, even if limited to a small test group.

Investigations reveal that, in addition to The New York Times, only a limited number of other organizations have received Trusted Verifier designation to date.

These include Wired and The Athletic, as confirmed by Bluesky software engineer Samuel Newman.

Bluesky has characterized the initial group as “small and non-comprehensive.”

Application Process for Trusted Verifier Status

CEO Jay Graber stated that the current cohort primarily comprises news organizations that have committed to verifying their respective journalists.

A formal application process for other organizations seeking Trusted Verifier status is planned for future implementation. However, Bluesky has not yet provided a timeline for the launch of this application form.

Is Bluesky Positioning Verification as a Trust Signal?

A significant issue with the previous Twitter verification process was the perception of the blue checkmark as a status symbol. Users who considered themselves prominent, or possessed substantial followings, often felt entitled to verification. However, they might not have been granted a badge if Twitter didn't recognize their significance.

Occasionally, access to verification was simply a matter of networking within Twitter itself. The stance of Bluesky on this issue remains largely undefined.

Bluesky’s Approach to Verification

The company’s official blog post indicates that their verification system aims to “proactively verify authentic and notable accounts.” However, the specific standards used to determine what constitutes a “notable” account remain unclear.

When questioned about the specifics – the who, when, and why – surrounding Bluesky’s verification process, CTO Paul Frazee offered only a laconic “yep yep.” This response has fueled speculation and intrigue.

Currently, the details surrounding Bluesky’s verification criteria are still to be determined. Further clarification is anticipated.

• Authentic Accounts: Bluesky intends to confirm the genuine nature of user profiles.
• Notable Accounts: The definition of "notable" remains a key unanswered question.

The question of whether Bluesky intends for verification to be seen as an endorsement of trustworthiness, beyond simply confirming identity, is still open for debate.

Understanding Verification Discrepancies on Bluesky

Following the initial release of verification features, attention naturally turns to identifying those who have been verified and those who haven't. Questions arise regarding the criteria used for granting verification and the reasons behind certain approvals over others.

Specifically, users have observed a disparity in verification status among prominent news organizations. For example, CNN, The Wall Street Journal, and Bloomberg have been granted the blue-and-white verification badge, while others like Politico and MSNBC have not, at least initially.

The primary reason for these inconsistencies is that Bluesky’s verification rollout is still in progress. It is not a system that has been universally applied at once.

A Phased Implementation

Bluesky communicated that the launch of verification would be gradual. They indicated that users would “begin to see” the appearance of blue checks after the initial launch, suggesting a phased distribution.

Furthermore, Bluesky has stated that they are not currently processing any verification requests. This implies a future possibility of a formal request process being established.

Therefore, it’s important not to draw definitive conclusions from the current verification landscape. The initial phase of the rollout is underway, and the full picture of verified accounts will emerge over time.

Important Note: The status of verification today does not necessarily reflect the final outcome as the process evolves.

Key Takeaways

• The verification process on Bluesky is being implemented in stages.
• Not all eligible organizations have been verified yet.
• Bluesky is not currently accepting verification requests.
• Current verification status should not be interpreted as final.

The situation is dynamic, and a more comprehensive understanding of Bluesky’s verification system will become clearer as the rollout continues.

The Implications for Self-Verification on Bluesky

Prior to the introduction of its new verification system, Bluesky provided an alternative method for users to establish their authenticity: domain verification. Beginning in 2023, the platform enabled both organizations and individuals to utilize a domain name as their username.

According to Bluesky, over 270,000 accounts have since adopted this approach.

Bluesky emphasizes that this existing system will not be discontinued; rather, it will persist as a significant component of the platform’s overall verification process.

It will now function as an additional layer of security and trust. Confirming identity through a domain will remain a voluntary option, and will not be a requirement for achieving verification status.

Nevertheless, Bluesky strongly advises that official organizations and individuals with significant public profiles implement this feature, and provides comprehensive documentation to facilitate the process.

Furthermore, it’s important to understand that when a user modifies their Bluesky username to a website address, their original bsky.social username will be held in reserve for them. This measure is designed to prevent malicious actors from creating impersonation accounts.

This reservation is permanent and will not expire, ensuring continued protection against fraudulent activity.

The Implications of Bluesky's Official Verification Launch for Existing Unofficial Verification Efforts

The recent rollout of Bluesky’s official verification system raises questions about the status of accounts that were previously verifying users through unofficial means.

For instance, Hunter Walker and Guan Yang operated a labeling system to verify a diverse spectrum of media organizations, encompassing both large national publications and smaller local outlets.

Unofficial Verification Scope

According to its website, this system extended verification to elected officials, notable activists, political strategists, and various public figures.

Walker communicated on Bluesky that he had not been contacted by the platform regarding the new, official verification process.

He expressed his willingness to collaborate, stating, “No one at Bluesky has ever discussed verification with me. I’ve already completed substantial groundwork should they be interested!”

Currently, these previously assigned “unofficial” labels and badges remain visible on user profiles, but the long-term viability of the labeling system is unclear.

Walker indicated a willingness to continue the effort if necessary, but expressed a preference for a unified and authoritative source of verification: “We will continue if needed, but I sincerely hope this evolves towards a single, transparent source for reliable verification.”

Similarly, musician and rapper Flavor Flav played a role in authenticating Bluesky accounts during the platform’s initial phases.

His contributions may become redundant as the official verification system is fully implemented, unless he independently qualifies as a Trusted Verifier.

Consequences of Misconduct by Trusted Verifiers

Individuals designated as Trusted Verifiers are expected to uphold ethical standards. However, the question arises: what recourse exists if a verifier abuses their granted privileges, such as accepting payment for verification services?

Currently, a comprehensive protocol for addressing such instances is lacking. Furthermore, there isn't a publicly available agreement outlining the responsibilities Trusted Verifiers must adhere to.

Despite this, Bluesky appears to have anticipated the potential for misuse.

In response to an inquiry on Bluesky regarding the handling of verifier misconduct, CTO Paul Frazee indicated that Bluesky retains the ability to intervene when necessary.

Potential Intervention Strategies

The nature of this intervention remains unspecified. It could involve a range of actions, from warnings to the revocation of Trusted Verifier status.

Without clearly defined rules, the application of these interventions may be subject to interpretation. Transparency regarding the criteria for intervention will be crucial for maintaining trust in the verification process.

Importance of Clear Guidelines

Establishing a formal code of conduct for Trusted Verifiers is essential. This would provide clarity and consistency in addressing any instances of abuse.

Such guidelines should explicitly prohibit actions like accepting compensation for verification and outline the consequences for violating these rules.

The Reasoning Behind Bluesky’s Checkmark Symbol

Questions have arisen regarding the choice of a blue-and-white checkmark for Bluesky, mirroring Twitter’s verification system, rather than opting for a more distinctive symbol like a blue butterfly.

Concerns were voiced that, given Bluesky’s distinct identity, a unique design language should have been employed.

Jack Dorsey’s Bluesky founder, Frazee, addressed these inquiries, noting that alternative colors, such as green, were explored during the design process.

Ultimately, blue was selected as it harmonized more effectively with Bluesky’s pre-existing color scheme.

The Decision to Use a Checkmark

An official explanation for choosing a traditional checkmark over other potential symbols, like the frequently suggested blue butterfly, has not been publicly released.

However, it is probable that the decision was based on the checkmark’s widespread recognition and universally understood meaning as a symbol of verification.

The familiarity of the checkmark likely contributes to immediate user comprehension of the verification status on the platform.