BlueSky Rolls Out its Decentralized Social Media App as Invite Only
While anyone can download the application on the Apple App Store a code is needed to gain access to its Beta version.
Jack Dorsey-backed Bluesky is a social media app and protocol group that prides itself on its decentralized core concepts — although, at the time of writing, the application is available on the Apple App Store with access being on an invite-only basis.
This is due to the fact it is still undergoing Beta testing but could be a sign that a final public offering is around the corner, with the application being available to download for everyone.
The project began in 2019, when Dorsey, the acting CEO of Twitter at the time, shared that “Twitter is funding a small independent team of up to five open source architects, engineers, and designers to develop an open and decentralized standard for social media.”
The idea and service is all that matters to me, and I will do whatever it takes to protect both. Twitter as a company has always been my sole issue and my biggest regret. It has been owned by Wall Street and the ad model. Taking it back from Wall Street is the correct first step.
— jack (@jack) April 26, 2022
His goal was originally for Twitter to become a client of the standard and a “public good” — though following the acquisition from Elon Musk, it seems at the time of writing that that is an unlikely scenario. Rather, it is more likely that Bluesky, which operates on the AT Protocol will become an alternative for Twitter users who are uneasy with the constant change and paid product approach.
While no specific mention of blockchain integrations has been shared, the platform and its protocol are sure to attract Web3 enthusiasts as they encompass core principles like decentralization and an open-source makeup.
At the time of writing, no recent public announcements on progress or a timeline for a full launch have been made. While the application and protocol were originally backed by Twitter, Bluesky did raise $13 million USD in outside funding in 2022 to ensure its independence — as well as brought Dorsey onto its board.
Tested by TechCrunch, the application is said to have a very similar feeling to Twitter, with likes, reposts, follows, and usernames displayed in the same fashion — though the application currently does not offer messaging or advanced features like lists.
Currently, the application is only available for download via the Apple App Store with no announcement as to whether or not it will make its way to the Google Play store yet.
In other news, Visa and Mastercard pause crypto push due to regulatory uncertainty.