Bluesky has emerged as a strong competitor to X in recent months, gaining popularity with nearly 25 million users. However, some of these accounts are fake or operated by bots, according to a study by data scientist Lion Cassens.
On Bluesky, Cassens noted a significant presence of fake accounts pretending to be German users, but these are actually bot-controlled, generating posts and comments using AI. He supports his claims with examples from comments found under a Zeit.de article, where users with generic names post statements like, “A strong statement that attracts attention and brings challenges. Discourse is important!”
These accounts have generic profiles without real images and list similar hobbies in their bios, such as “Outdoor enthusiast, gamer, tech nerd, always ready for new challenges!” The profile banners and pictures often feature AI-generated images matching the first-listed activity, like forests or waves.
Several Bluesky users pointed out that these accounts originate from a data server called “Vanillysky.” Users can host their data independently on such servers, avoiding the need to share data with Bluesky and bypassing direct platform bans.
Currently, the fake accounts post harmless comments and contributions. However, according to Mimikama, this might change soon. Andre Wolf, a digital media and misinformation expert, suggests that these bots are currently lying low to build reach and gain followers with seemingly rational comments. Once they have established a following, they might change their approach to influence opinions, possibly regarding the upcoming elections in Germany. Wolf and Mimikama warn that the bot network on Bluesky could be used for various purposes, potentially being offered to parties, individuals, or companies to shape opinions.
Bluesky’s growing popularity has alarmed competitors like Mark Zuckerberg, who is focusing on his platform Threads. As Bluesky continues to attract users, concerns about misinformation and fake accounts remain significant challenges for the platform.
In summary, while Bluesky gains traction, it faces issues with fake accounts and bots, which could potentially be used to manipulate opinions. The platform’s future will depend on how effectively it addresses these challenges while maintaining its growth and user trust.