Bluesky Social, the decentralized social media platform positioning itself as a potential successor to X (formerly Twitter), is taking a hardline stance on parody accounts and impersonators. The platform is experiencing a surge in users, many of whom are disillusioned with X’s chaotic policies under Elon Musk. However, the influx has brought new challenges, including a wave of impersonation attempts that threaten to undermine trust and authenticity on the platform.
In response, Bluesky has announced a “more aggressive” policy to address these issues. In a recent thread on its safety account, the platform clarified that while parody, satire, and fan accounts are welcome, they must be explicitly labeled as such in both the account’s display name and bio. This is to allow users can easily distinguish between official accounts and their humorous or supportive imitators.
Tackling Identity Churning and Handle Squatting
Bluesky’s popularity has introduced unique challenges, particularly given its unconventional approach to account verification. Unlike traditional platforms that offer verification badges, Bluesky relies on a self-verification process. Users can attach custom domain names to their profiles, offering a personalized way to confirm their identity.
While innovative, this method has created vulnerabilities. “Handle squatting” has become a concern, where opportunists claim valuable account names, either for impersonation or potential resale. Furthermore, “identity churning” – where accounts gain followers under a fake identity before rebranding entirely – has become a disruptive trend.
Bluesky Ramps Up Moderation Efforts
To address these growing pains, Bluesky is expanding its moderation team and taking decisive action against violators. The platform has pledged to remove accounts involved in impersonation or handle squatting. Parody and satire accounts that fail to label themselves properly will also face scrutiny. These actions reflect Bluesky’s dedication to creating a reliable and secure space for its growing community, particularly as more prominent personalities and organizations become active on the platform.
In a bid to improve its verification system, Bluesky is exploring new solutions to make identity verification accessible and reliable for all users—not just those with technical know-how to configure DNS records. The platform is also actively seeking feedback from its community to shape the future of its verification features.
Impersonation is more than just an annoyance; it’s a trust issue. Bluesky’s efforts highlight the importance of authenticity in social media, especially as it competes with X to become the go-to platform for public discourse. If a prominent figure, like a politician or journalist, shares important information, users need to be confident in the account’s legitimacy.
By cracking down on impersonation, Bluesky is not just protecting its users but also establishing itself as a credible alternative in the social media landscape.
Bluesky’s journey is one of experimentation and evolution. As it works to address impersonation, the platform is also building a reputation as a space for user-driven solution. In the meantime, Bluesky users are encouraged to exercise caution and verify accounts before engaging, especially as the platform continues to refine its identity protocols.
