City of Cambridge joins Bluesky after leaving X

A cell phone user looks at Bluesky Social in Lima, Peru, on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

The City of Cambridge has officially joined Bluesky one month after announcing it stopped using X, formerly known as Twitter, due to concerns about its reliability, accountability and direction.

Bluesky is a decentralized social media platform where users can manage their own data, customize algorithms and offer alt text for images.

“It’s important to adapt to innovative platforms that align with our values,” Mayor Jan Liggett said in a media release. “I think residents will find Bluesky refreshing, and I invite the community to follow us there.”

Emily Liu, the head of special projects at Bluesky, welcomed the city’s move.

“For so many people, social media is where they get the latest breaking news and updates, and Cambridge’s official city presence helps make Bluesky an even better home,” a Bluesky statement read in part. “Through customizable features like custom feeds, governments, journalists and more can reach their audiences directly, free of algorithmic manipulation.”

Residents can follow the city at @cambridge.ca for updates, news and community information.