Bluesky, a contender against platforms like X, Threads, and Mastodon, is breaking new ground by introducing federation following its recent public debut. This significant move enables individuals to manage their own servers connected to Bluesky’s network, empowering them to oversee their data, accounts, and rules. Bluesky’s decentralized social networking model, distinct from Mastodon’s, employs a different protocol, ensuring network autonomy for the time being.
The surge in federation interest reflects consumers’ desire for increased control over personal data, a trend amplified after Elon Musk’s purchase of Twitter, rebranded as X, with a focus on broader functionalities and more relaxed moderation. This shift prompted former Twitter users to seek sustainable alternatives like Mastodon and Bluesky.
Originating as a Twitter-backed project led by Jack Dorsey, Bluesky has transitioned into an independent entity, securing funding akin to conventional startups. Emerging from a private beta phase, Bluesky boasts over 5 million registered users, indicating significant growth potential with the introduction of federation. This decentralized approach allows users to establish their own servers tailored to individual or community needs, fostering a safer environment compared to Twitter/X.
While Bluesky and Mastodon share similarities, Bluesky employs the AT Protocol rather than ActivityPub, the W3C-endorsed standard adopted by networks like Instagram’s Threads. Bluesky distinguishes itself by offering users participation in global conversations while granting control over their experience through features like custom feeds and flexible moderation.
Bluesky also prioritizes account portability, enabling users to switch servers without altering usernames or losing followers or posts. Hosting a personal service requires some technical proficiency, and Bluesky provides resources through its developer blog, GitHub repository, and PDS Administrators’ Discord. Initially, federation targets individuals interested in running smaller servers, with plans to expand to larger ones later.
Bluesky intends to recommend its service as the default for new users, though they retain the option to switch without data loss.
