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Title: You can now apply for verification on Bluesky

Date: Thu, 22 May 2025 22:28:02 +0000
Link: https://www.engadget.com/social-media/you-can...

Bluesky is ramping up its verification program, even though it's still not
exactly clear how it plans to determine which accounts are "authentic and
notable" enough for a blue checkmark. One month after the company said it
would start giving checkmarks to select accounts, the company is now allowing
people to apply for verification.

Currently, the application consists of a multi-page Google Form that asks
users to share details about their account and why they want to be verified.
However, it's not exactly clear what criteria Bluesky will be taking into
account or how it will be reviewing what will almost certainly be a flood of
applications.

The company notes that it will only verify accounts that are "active and
secure, authentic, and notable." Bluesky also recommends some obvious steps,
like having a complete bio and using two-factor authentication. The linked
form also asks users about what "category" they may fall into, such as an
elected official, brand, athlete, journalist, academic or "other."

But it sounds like Blueksy is very much still figuring out verification as it
goes. "Our criteria for verification is evolving based on user feedback," the
form states. "We will continue to expand the scope of accounts that are
eligible for verification over time. This is an initial version of the form
that will change as we finalize the requirements for verification." It also
notes that "meeting the basic criteria does not guarantee verification."

That could complicate things for Bluesky, which resisted the idea of having
an in-house verification system until recently, despite repeated issues with
impersonation. The service has more than 36 million sign-ups, and if even a
small percentage of them request a badge, it could quickly overwhelm the
company's small team.

Notably, the platform is also expanding its "trusted verifiers," which are
third-party entities that can verify users (who get a slightly different-
shaped checkmark) and vouch for their legitimacy. Organizations that want to
verify on behalf of others can also sign up via the same form.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at
https://www.engadget.com/social-media/you-can...
bluesky-222802057.html?src=rss

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