Code merged into Bluesky’s public GitHub repository signals the decentralized social platform is preparing a distinct visual verification system, potentially launching soon. Analysis of Pull Request #8226, titled “Verification,” reveals plans for blue checkmark badges intended to offer a clearer signal of account authenticity, supplementing the platform’s existing domain handle verification. Spotted by reverse engineer alice.mosphere.at, points towards a verification model different from others in the social media space.
A Distributed Approach to Trust
Instead of relying solely on a central authority or a payment model like X (formerly Twitter), Bluesky’s approach appears built on delegation. Code within the pull request suggests certain organizations could be designated as “Trusted Verifiers,” empowered to issue blue checks directly. These verifiers would display a unique scalloped blue checkmark icon, distinguishing them from users receiving a standard checkmark. An image associated with the code hints that established entities like The New York Times might serve in this capacity.
This strategy reflects Bluesky’s foundation on the decentralized Authenticated Transfer (AT) Protocol, which aims to distribute control. Bluesky team member estrattonbailey explained in the pull request description: “Bluesky will enable ‘Trusted Verifiers’ – organizations that can directly issue blue checks to accounts they authenticate. For example, news organizations can verify their journalists directly, creating a web of trust that doesn’t solely rely on the Bluesky company.” Users will reportedly be able to tap a badge to see the verifying organization.
The idea aligns with earlier comments from Bluesky CEO Jay Graber, who hinted in November 2024 at a future system “where it’s not the only group that can verify users,” as reported by TechCrunch at the time.
The introduction of visual checks also addresses specific user feedback and past platform issues. This need became clearer after Bluesky’s existing domain handle system faced challenges, including instances where scammers reportedly exploited it for impersonation and username squatting. Bluesky subsequently implemented measures to reserve default usernames when users switched to custom domains. The new checkmarks provide an additional, immediate visual cue, with an option for users to hide them in settings.
Distinction From Paid Subscriptions
Bluesky representatives have been careful to distinguish this verification system from potential paid features. While mockups for a “Bluesky+” subscription service appeared on GitHub (PR #6977) in late 2024, suggesting premium options like higher quality video uploads or profile customizations, the company stated verification would not be among them.
COO Rose Wang declared in an October 2024 Bluesky post, “Paid subscribers won’t get special treatment elsewhere in the app, like upranking premium accounts or blue checks next to their names.” The description for the verification PR reinforces this: “Note that Bluesky’s verification system is not the same as paid subscriptions. You cannot pay to get a blue check on Bluesky.”
Implementation and Next Steps
The merged code provides the technical framework for displaying these verification badges. Although Bluesky hasn’t made a formal announcement, the pull request contained a link to a potential upcoming blog post titled “verification” dated April 21, 2025, hinting that official details might be shared soon. This potential update follows other recent platform enhancements, including the March 2025 rollout of three-minute video uploads and DM spam filters, and the December 2024 addition of a dedicated “Mentions” tab and new reply sorting options, as the platform continues its development.
