“Haves and have-nots”: Bluesky draws mixed reactions with X-like blue checks

Unlike X, Bluesky users won’t be able to buy a blue badge. Instead, the platform is rolling out a layered verification system with “trusted verifiers,” such as The New York Times. Not everyone is happy.

The decentralized social media platform said it would “proactively verify authentic and notable accounts,” which will display a blue check next to their names.

Additionally, the X rival is introducing trusted verifiers – select independent organizations that can verify accounts directly. Trusted verifiers will be marked by a scalloped blue check.

“For example, The New York Times can now issue blue checks to its journalists directly in the app. Bluesky’s moderation team reviews each verification to ensure authenticity,” Bluesky said, adding that it will review such verifications as well to ensure authenticity.

We’re introducing a new layer of verification on Bluesky — a user-friendly, easily recognizable blue check. In addition to account verification issued by Bluesky, we're also introducing Trusted Verifiers. Select independent organizations can verify accounts directly.

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undefined Bluesky (@bsky.app) April 21, 2025 at 5:02 PM

This adds to Bluesky’s existing system of self-verification. Since 2023, the platform has allowed individuals and organizations to verify their accounts by setting their domain as their username. However, such accounts do not receive a blue check.

“Domain handles continue to be an important part of verification on Bluesky. At the same time, we've heard from users that a larger visual signal would be useful in knowing which accounts are authentic,” the platform said.

Bluesky will not be accepting direct verification applications for now, but plans to launch a request form later.

According to Jay Graber, the company's chief executive, the platform is also testing more approaches to verification, such as a “web of trust” where users could directly vouch for each other.

“We’re still testing ideas in this area. Trust doesn’t just come from one signal – it’s built up from many overlapping ones,” Graber said.

On Bluesky, identity is now confirmed by two overlapping tools: • Domain names • Verification by one of the trusted verifiers Both techniques give a different kind of signal, with their own benefits, and I believe we can do more.

undefined Jay 🦋 (@jay.bsky.team) April 22, 2025 at 3:15 AM

Bluesky was initially sceptical of traditional verification methods like blue checkmarks, but as the platform’s popularity surged, so did the risk of impersonation, prompting a shift in approach.

“We’ve seen this movie before”

The new system drew mixed reactions from Bluesky users. Some objected to the platform’s use of a blue check as a verification badge, arguing it felt too “Twitter-like,” as in the platform now known as X.

Others criticised the entire process, saying the new verification system “creates separation” and divides the platform “into haves and have-nots.”

“Where is the world without Caesars?” one user mused, referencing Garber’s now-famous T-shirt, before adding: “It’s obvious that verified accounts will have privilege over others. We’ve seen this movie before.”

No, that's not fair. All power emanates from the people. Where is the world without Caesars? And it's obvious that verified accounts will have privilege over others. We've seen this movie before.

undefined Martina (@nina.and.cat) April 22, 2025 at 7:08 AM

“No one needs a replica of Twitter's process. They messed up by treating verification as about notability or access. That's the bad way,” another user said.

“Lots of people you've never heard of can get impersonated, putting children, businesses, gov'ts at risk.”

Others questioned how “trusted verifiers” are selected and suggested that self-verified users should receive a checkmark as well. Some also raised concerns about the resources the new verification system would require – resources they argued could be better used to improve the platform’s functionalities.

However, many also welcomed the added verification layers, calling them a necessary step to curb fake accounts. Others pointed out that Elon Musk “did not invent blue checkmarks.”