Bluesky, the emerging social media platform, has introduced a stricter impersonation policy following concerns raised about verification challenges on the app. The platform’s safety team recently announced that accounts impersonating others or squatting on handles are now being removed more aggressively. This move comes after a third-party analysis highlighted how Bluesky’s lack of a conventional verification system makes it easy for users to pose as others, potentially for scams or to seek attention.
1/ With more users joining Bluesky, we know how important it is to identify which accounts are real. Users deserve confidence that the accounts they interact with are authentic. Sharing some details about our impersonation policy 🧵
— Bluesky Safety (@safety.bsky.app) November 30, 2024 at 4:46 AM
Simplifying the path to account verification
Unlike many platforms that offer verification through a simple paid checkmark, Bluesky uses a unique self-verification process. Users can prove their identity by linking their account to a domain name. This involves adding a specific text string to the domain’s DNS record, confirming ownership of a particular URL.
Bluesky offers a custom domain service for individuals without a personal domain as an alternative. The platform has also begun collaborating with high-profile individuals and organisations to streamline verified handle setups. While effective, this verification method is more complex than users might hope, creating opportunities for impostors to exploit the system.
Addressing new challenges from a growing user base
Bluesky’s verification issues became more apparent with a surge in new users. Research conducted by Alexios Mantzarlis from Cornell Tech revealed that 44 per cent of the 100 most-followed accounts on Bluesky have impersonators. This troubling statistic pushed the platform to implement additional measures.
Under the updated policy, parody, satire, or fan accounts must identify themselves in their usernames and bios. This requirement ensures that these accounts are treated as impersonators and removed. The new rules are designed to prevent ambiguity and ensure that users know the nature of the accounts they interact with.
Bluesky has also cracked down on “identity churning,” where users create impersonator accounts to attract followers, only to change their identity later to bypass bans. These accounts will now be permanently removed, regardless of their attempts to rebrand.
Looking ahead to improved verification tools
Bluesky has acknowledged that more than these changes are needed to address the issue. The platform is actively exploring additional tools to enhance account verification. However, these solutions are still in development, and Bluesky must provide a timeline for their release.
Bluesky aims to build a safer community for its users by tightening its rules and exploring better verification options. While challenges remain, these steps clearly indicate the platform’s commitment to tackling impersonation and enhancing user trust.
