Bluesky Introduces Blue Check Verification to Combat Impersonation

Social platform Bluesky has officially launched its own version of the blue checkmark, confirming long-circulating rumors about the addition of account verification. Announced Monday, the feature is aimed at helping users distinguish legitimate accounts from impersonators, echoing the intent behind Twitter’s original verification system.

Initially, Bluesky is partnering with a limited number of “Trusted Verifiers” – independent organizations authorized to confirm the identities of accounts affiliated with them. This model allows, for example, a company to verify its communications team, enabling users to more easily identify credible sources of corporate updates. All verifications will still be reviewed by Bluesky’s moderation team before being finalized.

Prior to this update, Bluesky offered a more technical method of identity verification by allowing users to tie their handle to a domain they control. While effective in establishing authenticity – particularly for organizations – this method lacked a clear visual cue for users browsing the platform. As of now, about 270,000 accounts have taken advantage of domain-linked handles.

With the introduction of a more visible verification mark, Bluesky hopes to provide a clearer signal of authenticity, particularly for public-facing figures such as journalists, politicians, and celebrities – groups frequently targeted by impersonators. “Domain handles continue to be an important part of verification on Bluesky,” the company stated in its blog post. “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 is not yet accepting individual verification requests, but it has indicated that a broader application process will be introduced at a later date. While this process is obviously in a very early stage, it’s likely that full verification measures will be introduced relatively soon.