Over 250 US, UK, and EU agencies and government officials are now on Bluesky

Governments around the world are leaving behind the familiar chatter of X (formerly Twitter) and Meta, opting instead for the decentralized vibes of Bluesky. Once known primarily as the refuge for Taylor Swift fans and Brazilians banned from X, Bluesky is now fast becoming the go-to platform for official voices — from state agencies to intergovernmental bodies.

It wasn’t too long ago that headlines trumpeted the mass exodus of users to Bluesky. In September 2024, Brazilians, suddenly sidelined by a ban on X, discovered a new home on the platform. By November, Taylor Swift fans were joyfully trading tweets for Bluesky posts, and the user base surged with 700,000 new sign-ups in a matter of weeks. Bluesky’s team even got busy quadrupling its human moderation squad to tackle the influx of fakes and keep the conversations genuine — a proactive move that has clearly paid off.

But the excitement didn’t stop at enthusiastic individuals and fandoms. As the social media landscape continued to unravel under the weight of policy changes and controversies — think the infamous MAGA and Trump block list — the platform’s appeal broadened to those seeking a more controlled and accountable digital environment. Even initiatives like the recent launch of the Pinksky client, touted as an Instagram alternative, hinted at Bluesky’s growing ambition to be more than just a niche network.

In a remarkable turn of events, Bluesky is now witnessing a veritable parade of official government accounts. With over 200 US government handles proudly sporting the .gov domain, Bluesky has become a verifiable showcase for everything from local city administrations like the Boston Planning Department and City of Cleveland Heights to influential figures such as Senator Bernie Sanders and Mayor of New York City. This impressive roster also features specialized agencies like NOAA, OSHA, and even dedicated groups like the House Armed Services Democrats — each contributing to a vibrant digital tapestry that spans policy, public safety, and community engagement.

Across the Atlantic, the trend is just as noticeable. The United Kingdom has welcomed over 30 government accounts with .gov.uk domains. From local councils such as North Lanarkshire Council and Winchester City Council to central bodies like the Environmental Audit Committee and the House of Commons Speaker, UK officials are actively engaging with their constituents on this fresh, dynamic platform.

And the enthusiasm extends to Europe and beyond. Official European Union accounts — again, over 30 — are now part of the Bluesky family, including notable handles from the European Commission and the European Central Bank. Additionally, at least 25 intergovernmental accounts, representing organizations like INTERPOL, WHO and the European Space Agency, have joined the conversation, signaling a new era of interconnectivity and global collaboration.

So, what’s driving this mass migration of official entities to Bluesky? For many, the answer lies in a desire for a platform that offers both accountability and a breath of fresh air amid the controversies plaguing other social networks. With a robust verification system ensuring every government account comes with a trusted .gov, .gov.uk, .eu, or equivalent intergovernmental domain, Bluesky presents itself as a secure and reliable stage for official communication. The move is seen as a strategic effort to broaden digital engagement while steering clear of the murky moderation challenges that have beleaguered other platforms.

In a recent twist, Bluesky’s growth strategist Emily Liu even reached out to subreddit moderators amidst the ban on X links as the platform looks to bring diverse community voices into the fold. This proactive outreach is a testament to Bluesky’s commitment to fostering a vibrant, multifaceted digital public square where everyone from grassroots communities to high-ranking government officials can share their stories.

As governments across the globe settle into their new digital digs, the tone on Bluesky remains as engaging and approachable as ever. Whether it’s a local government office providing community updates or a high-profile legislative body sharing policy insights, the platform’s mix of playful interaction and serious public discourse is striking a chord.

The chaos at X has inadvertently paved the way for a more balanced digital environment — one where government agencies can communicate with transparency, and citizens can engage in real-time with their public representatives. With Bluesky growing by leaps and bounds, this doesn’t look like a regular migration — it’s a revolution in how we think about digital governance and public dialogue.

In the coming months, keep your eyes on Bluesky. The platform is not only transforming how we interact online but also redefining the very nature of public communication in our increasingly digital world.