Be Wary of Bluesky

3 hours ago

Bluesky's CTO suggested users could switch to alternatives if Bluesky turned against them, similar to past arguments about Twitter.
Bluesky is built on ATProto, an open protocol promising user control over data and identity, with apps like Tangled, Grain, and Leaflet integrating into it.
Most users' data resides on Bluesky's servers, despite the option to self-host a Personal Data Server (PDS), which few do due to convenience.
Migration tools exist to move to a self-hosted PDS, but proactive data protection is rare among users.
New ATProto apps increase dependency on Bluesky's infrastructure, centralizing value rather than distributing it.
Bluesky controls critical layers like the Relay, AppView, and DID Directory, with decentralization plans still unclear.
The open protocol risks centralization, similar to how Gmail dominates email despite the protocol's openness.
An acquisition could give control over user data, relays, and identity resolution, potentially limiting user freedom.
Counter-arguments rely on technical possibilities of leaving or self-hosting, but user behavior trends toward default options.
Bluesky's $120M funding and $700M valuation suggest future monetization pressures, potentially undermining decentralization.

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