Bluesky, the social network co-founded by Jack Dorsey, has recently opened its doors to the public, allowing anyone to create an account and join the platform.
Previously, joining Bluesky required an invitation, which often entailed finding an existing member and requesting an invite. During this invite-only phase, Bluesky focused on developing moderation tools and additional features.
Although Bluesky shares similarities with Twitter, which was rebranded as X after being acquired by Elon Musk’s Tesla for $44 billion in 2022, it does not currently support direct messaging between users. However, it does offer enhanced customization options, although its appeal to users is yet to be seen.
By default, Bluesky presents posts from accounts you follow in a chronological timeline. Alternatively, users can opt for algorithm-driven timelines created by other users. While Bluesky handles its own moderation, it also plans to allow users to combine various moderation schemes. This particular feature is not yet available but will be implemented in the future.
Reinventing Social Networks: Bluesky’s Ambitious Plan
Bluesky, an up-and-coming social networking platform, has set its sights on revolutionizing the way users engage with social media. Their ambitious goal? To grant users the ability to effortlessly transfer their collections of friends, followers, and data to rival networks. In a playful cartoon page accompanying their recent announcement, Bluesky boldly claims to be the “last social account you’ll ever need to create.”
However, realizing this vision is no easy task. The concept of making social networks interoperable, commonly referred to as “federation,” poses various challenges. Different sites employ different federation methods, each with its own set of complexities. For instance, Mastodon and Meta’s Threads service employ a federation algorithm known as ActivityPub, enabling seamless user migration between the two platforms.
Building upon this idea, Threads has already embarked on experimental endeavors, exploring the possibilities of sharing posts with Mastodon and other services utilizing ActivityPub. Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, expressed his optimism surrounding this venture, stressing its potential to empower users with more choices in how they interact and expand content’s reach.
Bluesky and the Authenticated Transfer Protocol
Bluesky, a notable service in the social media landscape, stands out from the crowd by implementing a unique approach to account federation. Unlike other services that rely on the widely-used ActivityPub protocol, Bluesky has chosen to utilize the Authenticated Transfer Protocol.
The Uniqueness of Bluesky
Bluesky’s decision to adopt the Authenticated Transfer Protocol sets it apart. While many platforms opt for the familiar simplicity of ActivityPub, Bluesky recognizes certain limitations within this widely-used protocol. As stated on their informative “frequently asked questions” page, Bluesky contends that ActivityPub presents challenges when it comes to transferring accounts and lacks essential features.
The Power of the Authenticated Transfer Protocol
By embracing the Authenticated Transfer Protocol, Bluesky has carved a distinct path for itself. This innovative approach not only allows for seamless and efficient account transfers but also offers a range of crucial features that users value.
Bluesky’s commitment to the Authenticated Transfer Protocol demonstrates their dedication to delivering a superior social media experience. As the only service currently utilizing this technology, Bluesky continues to solidify its position as an industry leader.