Hey Hive Family this sounds interessting I spend a little research on this made with Google and some AI
How Decentralized is Bluesky?
Bluesky, as a decentralized social media initiative, has made significant strides toward decentralization but isn't yet fully decentralized.
Its level of decentralization can be assessed in terms of its protocol, platform, governance, and adoption:
1. Protocol Decentralization
Bluesky’s backbone is the AT Protocol (Authenticated Transfer Protocol), which is designed for decentralized social networking. Here's how it stands:
Interoperability: The AT Protocol allows multiple platforms to interconnect, enabling users to move between platforms without losing their data or followers.
Data Ownership: Users can control their identity, data, and content, reducing reliance on any single platform.
Algorithmic Freedom: Users can choose or build their own algorithms for content discovery, giving them control over what they see.
Protocol decentralization level: Moderate
The protocol is inherently decentralized but is still under development, and its effectiveness at scale remains to be seen.
2. Platform Decentralization
Bluesky Social, the first application built on the AT Protocol, is not fully decentralized:
Platform Dependency: As the main implementation of the AT Protocol, it operates like a traditional platform for now. This means users are still interacting with Bluesky's infrastructure rather than a fully distributed network.
Content Hosting: Content hosting remains centralized to some extent, though future iterations might enable distributed content hosting.
Platform Decentralization Level: Low to Moderate
While the AT Protocol is decentralized, the initial platform (Bluesky Social) is not fully so, relying on centralized servers and governance.
3. Governance Decentralization
Bluesky is governed by a public benefit company (PBC), which gives it some level of independence and prioritizes the public good over profit motives. However:
Centralized Decision-Making: Bluesky's core team, including its leadership and board (e.g., Jack Dorsey), currently holds decision-making power over the protocol’s direction.
Community Involvement: There's potential for greater decentralization in governance as the ecosystem grows, but it has not yet fully materialized.
Governance Decentralization Level:Low
Governance is still centralized within the organization, though the PBC structure helps align decisions with its decentralization goals.
4. Adoption and Ecosystem
The AT Protocol is open to other developers and platforms, which can foster decentralization:
Single Major App: Currently, Bluesky Social is the main app using the AT Protocol, limiting the diversity of implementations and decentralization.
Potential Ecosystem Growth: If more platforms adopt the AT Protocol and users migrate to these platforms, the ecosystem could become more decentralized.
Adoption Decentralization Level: Low to Moderate
Adoption is still in its early stages, and the ecosystem is not yet diversified.
Challenges to Full Decentralization
Centralized Infrastructure: Hosting content and running nodes are still centralized in Bluesky Social.
Governance: Decision-making remains in the hands of a central team.
Ecosystem Maturity: The protocol needs broader adoption and more independent implementations to achieve true decentralization.
Conclusion
Bluesky is currently partially decentralized, with a clear roadmap toward greater decentralization. While the AT Protocol itself embodies the principles of decentralization, its practical implementation (Bluesky Social) and governance are still centralized to varying degrees.
Potential for Full Decentralization: High
Achieving full decentralization depends on broader ecosystem development, community engagement, and the evolution of governance mechanisms.
Result
Need more research but compared to Hive not so decentralized
Bluesky is an independent organization and is no longer directly owned by Twitter. While it started as a Twitter-funded initiative, it has since spun out into a public benefit company (PBC) to ensure its independence and alignment with its mission.
Ownership Structure
1. Public Benefit Company (PBC) Status
Bluesky operates as a public benefit company, which means its mission to develop an open, decentralized protocol for social media is legally enshrined in its charter.
This structure ensures that the organization's goals prioritize public good over profit-making motives.
The PBC status limits the influence of any single stakeholder or entity.
2. Initial Funding
Bluesky was initially funded by Twitter, with Jack Dorsey committing $13 million to get the project started.
This funding was used to develop the Authenticated Transfer (AT) Protocol and the Bluesky Social app.
Despite Twitter's initial involvement, the funding agreement allowed Bluesky to operate independently.
3. Leadership
CEO: Jay Graber, an expert in decentralized social networks, leads Bluesky.
Board Members: Jack Dorsey, the former CEO of Twitter, serves on the board to help maintain the vision for decentralization.
The core team and leadership are responsible for strategic decisions, but the PBC structure ensures these align with its stated mission.
4. Independence
Bluesky operates independently of Twitter or any other corporate entity.
It has no obligations to Twitter, even though Twitter provided seed funding.
Future Ownership Model
Bluesky aims to create a decentralized ecosystem where no single entity, including itself, holds control. By fostering open collaboration and enabling multiple platforms to build on the AT Protocol, it envisions an environment where users and developers share ownership and governance of the ecosystem.
Conclusion
Bluesky is owned and operated as a public benefit company, funded initially by Twitter but functioning independently. Its governance and decision-making currently lie with its leadership and board, but it strives for a decentralized future where ownership and control are distributed across the ecosystem.
Governance and Key Players in Bluesky
Bluesky operates as a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) with a governance structure involving its leadership team, board of directors, and investors. These individuals and organizations contribute to Bluesky's strategic direction and development.
Leadership Team
Jay Graber:
CEO of Bluesky since 2021.
Leads Bluesky's operations and strategic initiatives, bringing experience in decentralized systems.
Board of Directors
Jack Dorsey:
Co-founder of Twitter and early supporter of Bluesky.
Serves on the board, contributing his vision for decentralized social networks.
Jeremie Miller:
Inventor of Jabber/XMPP.
Provides expertise in decentralized communication protocols.
Mike Masnick:
Founder and editor of Techdirt.
Known for the "Protocols, not Platforms" concept that inspired Bluesky.
Kinjal Shah:
Partner at Blockchain Capital.
Offers insights from the venture capital and blockchain sectors.
Bluesky has secured funding from various venture capital firms and organizations to support its development. Notable investors include:
Blockchain Capital:
Led a $15 million Series A funding round in October 2024.
Supports Bluesky's mission to create decentralized social networking technologies.
Skyseed:
Participated in funding rounds, contributing financial backing.
Alumni Ventures:
Invested in Bluesky to support its decentralized social media platform.
Avalanche VC:
Provided venture capital to aid in Bluesky's development.
Calm Ventures:
Contributed funding to facilitate Bluesky's growth initiatives.
Governance Structure
Bluesky’s governance structure is designed to align with its public benefit mission:
Public Benefit Corporation:
Ensures its mission to develop decentralized social networking technologies takes precedence over profit motives.
Board Leadership:
Decision-making power lies with the board of directors, with input from key stakeholders and leadership.
Community Involvement:
Future plans include greater community participation to enhance decentralized governance.
Bluesky’s governance combines visionary leadership, expert guidance, and venture capital support, positioning it to achieve its goals of decentralization and user empowerment.
Now it's your turn!
I tried my best to get answers and I hope this is a start for a discussion:
