Bluesky’s Game Plan Against Impersonation: New Rules, More Moderation, and Verified Domains

As Bluesky carves out its space in the social media landscape, it faces growing pains that often accompany rapid user influx. From celebrities to influencers, the platform’s burgeoning user base has spotlighted a glaring issue: impersonation. This has sparked a series of new policies and updates designed to maintain trust and authenticity in the platform.

Here’s how Bluesky is stepping up its game with stricter verification measures, a more aggressive stance on impersonation, and plans for future improvements.

The Impersonation Problem: A Growing Threat to Trust

Bluesky’s popularity surge has drawn not only genuine users but also impersonators, parody accounts, and handle squatters. This has created confusion, with users frequently asking, “Is this account real or a parody?” Without a universal verification badge like Twitter’s former blue check, the line between authenticity and fabrication has blurred.

The lack of clear indicators for verified accounts has forced some users to create their own verification lists, an informal workaround that underscores the need for a robust solution.

Bluesky’s Aggressive Impersonation Policy

To counteract impersonation, Bluesky has updated its policies with a no-nonsense approach:

• Immediate Action on Impersonation Reports: Accounts found guilty of impersonation or handling squatting will be removed.
• Transparency for Parody and Fan Accounts: These accounts are still welcome but must clearly identify themselves as unofficial in both their display name and bio.
• Clampdown on Identity Churning: Users cannot exploit impersonation to gain followers and later rebrand the account. Such activities will lead to account removal.

This revised policy aims to bring clarity and trust back to the platform while ensuring legitimate users can interact without suspicion.

Scaling Moderation for Better Enforcement

Bluesky’s ability to enforce these stricter policies has been bolstered by a significant expansion of its moderation team. According to the platform, the team has quadrupled in size, enabling faster action on reports. However, a backlog of moderation requests remains, a consequence of the platform’s rapid user growth.

This backlog highlights a double-edged sword: Bluesky’s popularity is undeniable, but its infrastructure is still catching up.

Verification: A Work in Progress

Unlike platforms like Twitter (now X), which implemented a paid verification model, Bluesky relies on domain verification for now. For instance, an account with a “bsky.team” domain handle is affiliated with the Bluesky team, signalling trustworthiness.

Bluesky is actively assisting organizations and high-profile individuals in setting up verified domain handles. But domain verification alone isn’t enough, as users have expressed a desire for additional tools to verify authenticity.

Bluesky CEO Jay Graber has hinted at a multi-layered verification system in the works. This could allow users to choose between trusting Bluesky’s own verification process or opting for third-party organizations to verify accounts independently.

Community Feedback Fuels Innovation

Bluesky’s Safety team acknowledges that user feedback is shaping its roadmap for better account verification. “We’re exploring additional options to enhance account verification,” they said, emphasizing their commitment to rolling out new solutions soon.

This adaptability, combined with user-driven improvements, underscores Bluesky’s community-first approach to platform management.

What’s Next for Bluesky?

Bluesky’s updates signal its dedication to fostering a safe and trustworthy environment as it continues to grow. By addressing impersonation with stricter policies and laying the groundwork for improved verification, Bluesky is positioning itself as a reliable social media alternative.

With more updates on the horizon, the platform’s commitment to transparency and user trust is clear.