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Lightning Talk Media and Civics

How (de)centralized is Bluesky, really?

Billy Pierce · @billwpierce.co
Saturday, March 28, 2026
4:10 PM – 4:20 PM PT
Room 2301
Available in-person & via livestream — Stream 3 (Room 2301)

In this presentation, I will discuss a working paper on the functional (de)centralization of Bluesky. This includes the extent to which AT Protocol infrastructure is owned and operated by entities other than Bluesky Social (through a computational mapping of ownership of PDS endpoints), the implications this (de)centralization has for Bluesky Social's goals, and what might be done. Following the presentation of quantitative results and associated theory, there will be time for a Q&A and discussion. Looking forward to hearing from attendees about efforts to further decentralize AT Protocol infrastructure!