Bluesky, a social networking platform competing with the likes of X, Threads, and Mastodon, has made a significant move by opening up its federation. This new development allows anyone to run their own server connected to the Bluesky network, enabling users to host their data, manage their accounts, and set their own rules. This decentralized approach is similar to Mastodon’s model but is supported by a different protocol on Bluesky.
The shift towards federation has been fueled by users’ desire for greater control over their personal data, especially following Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter and its transformation into X – an everything app with a focus on payments, creators, and AI, which led some users to seek more sustainable alternatives like Mastodon and Bluesky.
Bluesky’s announcement stated that users now have the option to store their data on their own servers or choose a different company to manage it, providing flexibility and ensuring that users can retain their connections even if they switch providers. Essentially, this allows users to control where their data is stored while maintaining seamless access for their followers.
The Verge reported that Bluesky is gradually expanding its federation access, allowing early access for users and developers who wish to self-host their data. Although full federation is not yet operational, Bluesky plans to extend federation to larger servers with more users in the future. Ultimately, this move aims to enable anyone to create their own server with unique rules under Bluesky’s AT Protocol.
In conclusion, Bluesky’s decision to open up its federation marks a significant development in the social networking landscape, offering users more autonomy over their data and allowing for greater customization. As Bluesky moves towards full federation with platforms like Mastodon, it is likely to reshape the social networking space and provide users with a more diverse and flexible online experience.
