Bluesky Sees Rise in UK Politician Accounts
- Bluesky, an American social media network, has seen a surge in UK accounts, including those of members of parliament.
- The influx of UK politicians joining Bluesky has been notable over the past two weeks.
- This trend highlights a shift towards politicians engaging more on social media platforms.
Bluesky, the social media platform, is reportedly focusing on attracting politicians following recent comments by Elon Musk regarding UK affairs. Notable users such as Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips, Liberal Democrat technology spokeswoman Layla Moran, and Diane Abbott, the Mother of the House, have already joined the platform. Aaron Rodericks, Bluesky’s head of trust and safety, indicated that the platform is actively verifying higher-profile MPs and journalists to prevent impersonation, especially in light of a growing number of UK accounts. Since Musk's acquisition of Twitter in 2022, the platform has undergone significant changes, including the removal of the blue check verification mark. Instead, Musk introduced a paid verification system with different colored ticks for individuals, businesses, and government accounts. This shift has raised concerns among some politicians, including Humza Yousaf, whose lawyer criticized Musk's comments as inflammatory and damaging. To enhance account legitimacy, Bluesky encourages users to set their usernames to their official websites, a practice already adopted by prominent organizations and politicians. The platform has seen a surge in popularity, with 37,000 new UK users signing up in just two weeks. A spokesperson expressed a desire to engage more politicians and journalists, recognizing the role of social media in news dissemination. Jess Phillips, in her initial posts on Bluesky, emphasized the importance of careful communication, reflecting on her recent controversies. Other politicians, like Layla Moran, have made minimal posts, indicating a cautious approach as they navigate this new platform.