Bluesky offers verified blue tick accounts, which are significantly better than those on X and Meta.

      Bluesky, a social platform often regarded as a more orderly and open alternative to X, has officially revealed plans for a verification system for accounts. The main concept is to utilize a blue tick as a visual marker for accounts belonging to significant individuals.

      However, the company is adopting a slightly different approach compared to the blue tick verification currently implemented on platforms like X and Meta-owned Facebook and Instagram. Previously, the only means of having a verified account on Bluesky was to use a business or organization’s name in the domain.

      This method, though, was not always effective. Towards the end of 2024, the platform faced issues related to impersonation and handle-squatting. In response, the company tightened its policies regarding such activities and announced that a comprehensive verification system would be introduced soon.

      How will Bluesky’s verification process work?

      Bluesky plans to verify accounts using a couple of methods. Initially, it will identify notable public figures and assign them a blue checkmark icon on their social accounts. This system mirrors the approach taken by X (formerly known as Twitter) and Meta's platforms in the past.

      “Bluesky will actively verify genuine and notable accounts, showing a blue check next to their names,” the company states. While the concept is familiar, the exact criteria for determining what constitutes an "important" or "notable" account remains unclear.

      Currently, Bluesky will selectively choose important accounts to receive a blue checkmark alongside their usernames. Notably, users cannot apply for verification.

      “As this feature matures, we’ll introduce a request form for significant and authentic accounts seeking verification or the status of trusted verifiers,” the company mentions in a blog post.

      Empowering trusted institutions

      In addition to verifying accounts at its own discretion, Bluesky is also establishing a Trusted Verifiers system. These independent entities, such as media organizations or government agencies, will be able to verify the accounts of their key staff members.

      Accounts of Trusted Verifiers will feature their distinct blue tick, which will have a scalloped design, while the personal accounts they verify will display the usual rounded check mark.

      Personal accounts authenticated by a third party, like a journalist profile approved by a media organization, will still require verification by Bluesky’s team. Viewers will also have the ability to see whether an account was verified by Bluesky directly or by an authorized organization.

      Why is it superior to X and Meta?

      X, Facebook, and Instagram initially verified significant or notable accounts through their own teams, prioritizing politicians, actors, athletes, and other high-profile individuals vulnerable to impersonation and related scams.

      However, the platform owned by Elon Musk discontinued its in-house verification, instead transitioning to a system where any account could receive a blue check for a paid premium subscription. This strategy has led to various online issues.

      The European Commission noted in a 2024 report that "there is evidence of malicious actors exploiting the 'verified account' to deceive users." A year prior, Kaspersky cautioned that fake accounts with blue verification marks were impersonating brands to swindle users.

      A recent analysis from January this year highlighted that the X Premium subscription was being misused by scammers. Researchers at Sentinel One found that verified accounts were being exploited to promote fraudulent crypto projects.

      Similarly, Meta now provides a subscription option that grants a verified blue tick on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads. While it doesn't enhance account visibility, it offers priority access to Meta support.

      "Paying an extra $15 a month for a blue checkmark ultimately did exactly what I anticipated — nothing. In fact, my kids think it's silly to pay for that kind of vanity," wrote Phil Nickinson from Digital Trends after trying Meta Verified for his Instagram account.

      In summary, the methods employed by Meta and X have diminished the true significance and purpose of displaying a blue checkmark on social profiles. It once symbolized notability, importance, and trust, but now, it can simply be purchased for the price of a fancy coffee.

      It is encouraging to see that a newcomer like Bluesky is still committed to upholding the original intent of verification.