Bluesky, a decentralized social media platform, was initiated by Jack Dorsey, co-founder and former CEO of Twitter. The project began in 2019 as a research initiative within Twitter, aiming to develop an open and decentralized standard for social media. In October 2021, Bluesky was incorporated as an independent company, Bluesky Social, with Jay Graber appointed as CEO.
Jack Dorsey early life and career
Dorsey was born on November 19, 1976, in St. Louis, Missouri. From a young age, he exhibited a keen interest in technology and communications. Dorsey attended the Missouri University of Science and Technology and later transferred to New York University but dropped out before completing his degree. In 2006, he co-founded Twitter, serving as CEO until 2008 and then again from 2015 to 2021.
The genesis of Bluesky
The idea for Bluesky emerged from Dorsey’s vision to create a more open and decentralized social media ecosystem. He believed that the existing centralized platforms had limitations and that a decentralized approach could foster greater innovation and user control. In December 2019, while still CEO of Twitter, Dorsey announced the formation of Bluesky as a small independent team to develop an open and decentralized standard for social media.
Transition to independence
In October 2021, Bluesky was incorporated as an independent company, Bluesky Social, to operate separately from Twitter. Jay Graber, known for her work in decentralized technology, was appointed as CEO. This move was intended to allow Bluesky to develop its protocols without being influenced by Twitter’s existing infrastructure and business models.
Development of the AT Protocol
Bluesky Social developed the Authenticated Transfer (AT) Protocol, designed to enable a decentralized social networking ecosystem. The AT Protocol allows for interoperability between different social media platforms, giving users control over their data and algorithms. In October 2022, Bluesky began a waitlist for its social media service built on the AT Protocol, signaling a move towards a public launch.
Public launch and growth
Bluesky launched as an invite-only iOS beta in February 2023, followed by an Android release in April 2023. The platform garnered significant attention due to its association with Jack Dorsey and its decentralized nature. By September 2023, Bluesky had reached 1 million registered users, and by November, it surpassed 2 million users. The platform opened registrations to the general public on February 6, 2024, further accelerating its growth.
Jack Dorsey’s departure
On May 4, 2024, Dorsey announced that he was no longer on Bluesky Social’s board. His departure marked a significant milestone in Bluesky’s journey, emphasizing its independence from its original founder. Dorsey had previously deleted his account from the platform and expressed support for other decentralized protocols, indicating a shift in his focus towards broader decentralization efforts.
Bluesky’s vision and future
Under Jay Graber’s leadership, Bluesky continues to develop its platform with a focus on user autonomy, algorithmic choice, and decentralized moderation. The company has emphasized its commitment to not “enshittify the network with ads” and is exploring optional subscription services and user-to-user payment systems as potential revenue models. As of late 2024, Bluesky has experienced significant growth, reaching over 20 million users, and continues to position itself as a viable alternative to traditional social media platforms.
Conclusion
Bluesky’s journey from a research initiative within Twitter to an independent decentralized social media platform reflects Dorsey’s vision for a more open internet. While Dorsey initiated the project, its development and growth have been driven by a dedicated team under the leadership of Jay Graber, aiming to redefine how social media platforms operate in the digital age.
