The decentralized social network platform, Bluesky, which positions itself as a rival to mainstream social media by empowering users with the ability to select their own algorithms and moderation services, has recently announced the induction of Mike Masnick onto their board of directors. Masnick is notably recognized as the founder of the influential technology-focused blog, Techdirt, and his work has been instrumental in paving the way for Bluesky’s philosophy, particularly through his paper “Protocols, not Platforms.”
Masnick’s transition to the board is viewed as a continuation of his ongoing advisory role with Bluesky, marking an official commitment to the venture’s future.
Bluesky, which began as an initiative inside Twitter with the support of the platform’s co-founder Jack Dorsey, branched out as a standalone company after Twitter’s rebranding. Since its inception, Bluesky has secured seed funding, launched revenue-generating services such as custom domain setups on its decentralized network, and grown to serve an impressive user base of 6 million individuals.
Despite its initial backing, Bluesky has navigated its fair share of scrutiny, including from Dorsey himself, who expressed concerns about its moderation practices and similarities to Twitter’s own early challenges. Dorsey ultimately stepped down from Bluesky’s board and currently invests his efforts in Nostr, a different decentralized network favored among Bitcoin advocates.
The addition of Masnick marks a new chapter for Bluesky as it seeks to further refine its approach to fostering an open internet. His breadth of experience as a journalist, editor, and publisher coupled with his expertise in policy, technology, and legal matters is anticipated to be a significant asset for the platform’s continued growth and the development of its underlying technology, the AT Protocol.
Both Bluesky and Masnick share an aligned vision for the creation of a more liberated digital landscape. CEO Jay Graber expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, envisioning Masnick’s influence as a catalyst in advancing Bluesky’s mission and reinforcing their commitment to user empowerment.
Masnick expressed his eagerness in taking on this role, having witnessed Bluesky’s journey from conception to reality. He looks forward to contributing to the company’s ongoing efforts to carve out an improved model for internet interaction and social networking.
