Bluesky’s New Verification System Aims to Crush Fake Accounts

Bluesky, the decentralized social media platform that’s been gaining traction as an alternative to X (formerly Twitter), just dropped a major update: blue check verification. Sound familiar? That’s because it’s a nod to the original Twitter verification system but with a few key twists.

Why Bluesky’s Blue Checks Matter

For years, blue checks were the gold standard for proving an account was legit. After Twitter’s messy rebrand and verification overhaul under Elon Musk, the meaning of the blue tick got murky. Now, Bluesky is bringing back the real deal, a badge that actually means something.

Starting this week, verified accounts will sport a blue checkmark, making it easier for users to spot genuine profiles of public figures, journalists, and brands. No more guessing if that "Elon Musk" account is really him.

How It Works (And Who Gets One First)

Unlike Twitter’s early days, where verification was a mysterious club, Bluesky is taking a more structured approach. Right now, they’re working with “Trusted Verifiers”, independent groups (like news outlets or big companies) that can confirm identities within their own teams.

For example, if The New York Times is a Trusted Verifier, they could give blue checks to their reporters. That way, when you see a journalist’s post, you’ll know it’s really them, not a parody account spreading fake news.

Bluesky’s moderation team will manually review each verification to prevent fraud. And don’t worry, they’re not selling these badges (looking at you, X Premium).

Domain Verification: The OG Bluesky Method

Before blue checks, Bluesky had another way to prove authenticity: domain verification. If you owned a website (like TechCrunch.com), you could link it to your Bluesky account. Since only the real site owner could do this, it was a solid way to confirm identity.

Over 270,000 accounts already use this method. But let’s be honest, most people don’t recognize a tiny domain link the way they do a shiny blue check. That’s why Bluesky is adding the visual badge for extra clarity.

When Can You Get Verified?

Right now, Bluesky isn’t taking public applications. But they’ve promised an open request form soon. If you’re a public figure, journalist, or brand, keep an eye out, this could be your ticket to credibility on the platform.

The Bigger Picture: Fighting Misinformation

Fake accounts and deepfakes are exploding across social media. Bluesky’s move isn’t just about status, it’s about trust. By making verified accounts stand out, they’re giving users a simple way to filter out imposters.

Will this make Bluesky the go-to platform for real conversations? Only time will tell. But one thing’s clear: the battle against online fraud just got a new weapon.

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