Bluesky, the decentralized social network, has announced the introduction of blue checks for "authentic and notable" accounts, aiming to enhance user authenticity and security on its platform. The new feature, rolled out on Monday, will proactively verify accounts deemed authentic and notable, granting them a blue checkmark in a rounded circle next to their account name.

The move builds upon Bluesky's existing self-verification system, which allows users to set a domain as their username. However, the new system is designed to make it easier for independent journalists and creators to get verified, as they no longer need to link their account to a specific domain. This change is expected to help reduce impersonation attempts, which have become a growing concern since the platform experienced a surge in growth late last year.

In addition to verified accounts, Bluesky is also introducing "Trusted Verifier" status for select organizations. This will enable organizations like The New York Times to verify users affiliated with them. Bluesky's moderation team will review each verification request to ensure authenticity. Trusted Verifiers will be denoted by a checkmark in a scalloped circle next to their account name, distinguishing them from verified accounts.

Although users cannot currently apply for verified or trusted verifier status, Bluesky plans to open up the feature to requests once it stabilizes based on user feedback. Users can view which organization verified a user by selecting the account's blue checkmark. Moreover, users have the option to hide verification by navigating to Settings > Moderation > Verification Settings in the app.

This development is a significant step forward for Bluesky, which has been working to establish itself as a secure and trustworthy alternative to traditional social media platforms. By introducing blue checks and trusted verifiers, Bluesky aims to create a more authentic and reliable environment for its users, ultimately enhancing the overall user experience.

The introduction of blue checks and trusted verifiers is the latest in a series of updates from Bluesky, which has recently rolled out features such as three-minute videos and a filter to combat DM spam. As the platform continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these changes impact user engagement and the broader social media landscape.