Bluesky and the AT Protocol: Usable Decentralized Social Media (2402.03239v2)

Abstract: Bluesky is a new social network built upon the AT Protocol, a decentralized foundation for public social media. It was launched in private beta in February 2023, and has grown to over 10 million registered users by October 2024. In this paper we introduce the architecture of Bluesky and the AT Protocol, and explain how the technical design of Bluesky is informed by our goals: to enable decentralization by having multiple interoperable providers for every part of the system; to make it easy for users to switch providers; to give users agency over the content they see; and to provide a simple user experience that does not burden users with complexity arising from the system's decentralized nature. The system's openness allows anybody to contribute to content moderation and community management, and we invite the research community to use Bluesky as a dataset and testing ground for new approaches in social media moderation.

• The paper presents Bluesky's main contribution by introducing a user-friendly decentralized platform with streamlined identity management using the AT Protocol.
• The paper outlines a robust content moderation framework, integrating labelers and feed generators to balance curation with user empowerment.
• The paper compares Bluesky with existing decentralized networks, emphasizing enhancements in usability, scalability, and privacy.

Introduction to Bluesky and the AT Protocol

The paper presents an in-depth exploration of Bluesky, a burgeoning social network founded on the principles of decentralization, and its underlying structure, the AT (Authenticated Transfer) Protocol. Since its beta launch in February 2023, Bluesky has experienced rapid growth, amassing over 3 million registered users within a year. This impressive user adoption underscores the demand for alternatives to conventional, centralized social media platforms.

Challenges in Decentralized Social Media

Traditionally, decentralized social media faces significant hurdles, notably in user experience complexities and content moderation. For instance, platforms like Mastodon require users to choose a server upon account creation, which has implications on their usernames and social graphs. Bluesky aims to address these challenges by offering a system where usability and decentralization coexist without compromise. Central to achieving this goal is the AT Protocol, which facilitates an open, interoperable social media ecosystem where users enjoy the freedom to switch providers and control their content exposure with ease.

Bluesky's Unique Approach

User-Friendly Design

Bluesky's philosophy revolves around minimizing the typical complexities associated with decentralized networks. By leveraging the AT Protocol, it ensures that users are not burdened by the intricacies of its decentralized architecture. Moreover, Bluesky introduces innovative solutions to issues like account portability and user discovery, distinguishing itself from predecessors in the decentralized space.

Emphasis on Moderation

Unlike some decentralized networks that prioritize censorship resistance at the expense of moderation, Bluesky places a significant focus on content moderation. It empowers users and communities to actively participate in curation and moderation processes, thereby fostering a healthier online environment. This approach is facilitated through a versatile infrastructure comprising labelers and feed generators, which together enable a robust framework for content filtering and discovery.

System Architecture

At the heart of Bluesky is the AT Protocol, designed to support diverse social media applications while maintaining user privacy and agency. The protocol defines a decentralized identity system using domain names as user handles, thereby simplifying identity management and enhancing the user experience. Furthermore, Bluesky's architecture includes personal data servers (PDSes) and an indexing infrastructure, ensuring scalability and flexibility in data handling and content delivery.

Comparison with Related Work

Bluesky positions itself within the broader landscape of decentralized social media by addressing common limitations such as content permanence, user privacy, and system scalability. Unlike platforms strictly focused on censorship resistance, Bluesky offers a balanced approach that considers user experience, moderation, and openness. This strategy aligns with the growing demand for social media platforms that respect user rights and autonomy while providing a reliable and enriching online experience.

Conclusion

Bluesky and the AT Protocol represent a significant evolution in the field of decentralized social media. By harmonizing user-friendly design with a commitment to openness and moderation, Bluesky sets a new standard for what decentralized platforms can achieve. As it moves beyond its beta phase, the continued growth and refinement of Bluesky will undoubtedly serve as a coveted model for future decentralized applications, highlighting the potential for such platforms to reshape the landscape of online social interaction.