Bluesky

Bluesky: A New Frontier in Social Media

Imagine a social media platform where your data and experience are truly yours—where you have the power to choose how you interact with content and who moderates it. That’s exactly what Bluesky aims to be. As a microblogging service modeled after Twitter, Bluesky offers users a unique blend of freedom and control over their online presence.

The Birth of Bluesky

How did this platform come into existence? In 2019, Bluesky was born as a research initiative at Twitter. It quickly evolved to become an independent company in 2021 after Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter. The development accelerated significantly in 2022, and the platform launched as an invite-only service in February 2023.

Key Features

Bluesky operates on the AT Protocol, which is like a highway for decentralized social networks. This protocol allows users to choose or create their own algorithmic feeds, moderation services, and starter packs. It’s essentially a marketplace of algorithms where you can tailor your experience to fit your preferences.

The Journey So Far

How has Bluesky grown since its launch? By February 2024, the platform opened registrations and welcomed over 2 million users. In November 2024, it reached a staggering 20 million users. This rapid growth is a testament to the appeal of decentralized social media.

The Decentralized Experience

Bluesky’s commitment to decentralization sets it apart from other platforms. It offers features like short posts, replies, reposts, and likes—much like Twitter—but with added layers of control over your data and experience.

User Verification and Custom Feeds

How do users verify their accounts on Bluesky? Users can self-verify their accounts through a domain name-based handle system via the AT Protocol. This ensures that each user’s identity is secure and verifiable, much like how you might use a verified Twitter account.

The Marketplace of Algorithms

One of Bluesky’s most innovative features is its ‘marketplace of algorithms.’ Through Custom Feeds, users can create or choose algorithmic feeds that cater to their interests. This means you can have your own personalized experience without relying on a single source.

Anti-Toxicity Measures and Moderation

How does Bluesky ensure a safe environment for its users? The platform has introduced anti-toxicity measures, user-managed moderation, and labelling services. In March 2024, the company even open-sourced its in-house moderation software called ‘Ozone’ to further enhance transparency and community management.

The AT Protocol: The Backbone of Bluesky

The AT Protocol is at the heart of Bluesky’s operation. It consists of three main services: Personal Data Server (PDS), Relay, and AppView. These work together to host user data in ‘Data Repositories’ using a Merkle tree, serve repositories from various PDS hosts in a unified stream, and consume data from Relays to serve it to users.

Bluesky Social: The Company Behind the Platform

Who is behind Bluesky? Bluesky Social, a benefit corporation owned by CEO Jay Graber and other employees, operates the platform. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, the company has received funding from investors and venture capital firms.

Funding and Future Plans

Bluesky aims to provide an alternative social media platform with decentralized features, customizable feeds, and anti-toxicity tools. While reviews have been positive, some critics raise concerns about potential censorship. The company has stated it will not add advertising but is considering introducing an optional subscription service for users.

Conclusion

As Bluesky continues to grow, it offers a compelling alternative to centralized social media platforms. With its focus on user control and decentralization, it’s poised to become a significant player in the future of online communication.