Bluesky is reportedly considering the introduction of a new blue checkmark verification system, as indicated by updates to the app’s public GitHub repository observed on Friday by reverse engineer alice.mosphere.at. The upcoming blue checkmarks are expected to resemble those previously developed by Twitter, now known as X, but with a distinctly different functioning method.
According to changes in the codebase, Bluesky’s verification process might depend on multiple organizations to distribute the blue checks. This suggests that Bluesky will not only verify notable accounts directly but will also appoint certain organizations as “trusted verifiers,” granting them the capacity to issue blue checkmarks independently.
An announcement about these modifications to the verification system might be made as early as Monday, based on a blog post link located in the recent pull request titled “verification,” which is set for release on April 21, 2025.
Currently, Bluesky permits users to verify themselves by linking their accounts to official websites. However, CEO Jay Graber has indicated that the company is considering alternative verification methods. Graber mentioned last year that Bluesky might explore a system where it isn’t the sole entity verifying users.
The pull request also reveals a new icon—a blue circle with a white checkmark—planned for display on verified users’ profiles. In contrast, profiles of trusted verifiers will feature scalloped blue circles with a white checkmark.
An image related to Bluesky’s forthcoming announcement suggests that The New York Times and other credible news publishers might soon have the capability to verify users within the blue check system. Furthermore, users will reportedly be able to see which organizations have granted verification by tapping on a user’s blue check.
Bluesky’s verification approach contrasts with X’s former strategies. Previously, X distributed blue checks to prominent, authentic accounts, but Elon Musk later reformed the system to verify only those paying a monthly fee. Although Musk later revised this policy, granting blue checks to some influential non-paying users while still offering the subscription option, some argue it reduced the value of blue checks on X, even leading to verified bot accounts.
Bluesky has not yet responded to TechCrunch’s request for comment. The company appears to be adopting a decentralized verification approach by distributing decision-making authority across various organizations. This may result in a larger number of verified users on Bluesky, but the effectiveness of this model remains to be determined.
