2 min read
Bluesky, the decentralized social media platform, is preparing to introduce its own blue check verification system, an evolved interpretation of the symbol originally popularized by Twitter, now known as X. This upcoming feature was uncovered through recent updates in Bluesky’s public GitHub repository, initially identified by reverse engineer alice.mosphere.at.
Unlike X’s current subscription-based verification model, Bluesky’s upcoming system seems poised to adopt a decentralised approach. According to the codebase updates, blue checks will be distributed not just by Bluesky itself, but by a network of “trusted verifiers.” Bluesky will grant direct authority to entities such as media, academic institutions, and prominent brand organisations to issue verification insignia to users.
A blue checkmark will be displayed beneath a white checkmark Circle in every profile that contains a verified user. In order to illustrate their established positions within the platform, trusted verifiers will display their profiles with specialised blue checkmarks that have curved edges.
The “verification” blog post, which is referenced from GitHub, indicates that an official declaration is pending for the upcoming week, commencing on Monday, as indicated by the input date of April 21, 2025. The code includes additional screenshots that demonstrate how users can verify the source of verification badges by tapping on them, thereby ensuring that the process is transparent.
One image implies that established news outlets, such as The New York Times, may become trusted verifiers, hinting at a system grounded in journalistic and institutional credibility. Bluesky can protect its verification system integrity while enabling trust expansion through its expanding platform.
CEO Jay Graber previously indicated that Bluesky plans to test new verification methods beyond domain-linked proof, which supports their pursuit of community-driven verification techniques. BlueSky carries out this update to fulfil a previously envisioned model of verification that does not rest solely with one centralised service.
In stark contrast, X’s verification model has faced criticism for reducing the credibility of the blue check by monetizing it through subscriptions. Elon Musk’s restructuring of the process raised doubts about automated bots implementing fake accounts because his verification system merged financial access with genuine account verification.
Since Bluesky does not provide official statements about the feature its open-source development model attracts widespread attention within the tech community.
