Bounce introduces a service that lets users seamlessly move accounts and social graphs between Bluesky and Mastodon.
The cross-protocol migration utility provides a service that enables users of open social networks such as Bluesky and Mastodon to transfer their follow graphs between their accounts, even though the networks are based on distinct underlying protocols.
Currently, Mastodon users who are dissatisfied with the service have the option to transfer their account to a different Mastodon server. Bluesky is developing technology that will enable users to transition their account to a new PDS (Bluesky’s term for “personal data server”) on its network.
Nevertheless, the capacity to migrate accounts between the two platforms has been restricted thus far because Mastodon operates on the ActivityPub Protocol and Bluesky on the AT Protocol.
To function, Bounce implements technology initially created for Bridgy Fed. This utility establishes a connection between Mastodon and Bluesky by enabling users to view their profiles on one service on the other.
To transfer accounts, Bounce initially transfers a user’s Bluesky account to a bridged account that spans the two networks and subsequently to the user’s Mastodon account. This migration also supports Pixelfed, a social application similar to Instagram that operates on ActivityPub, similar to Mastodon.
Bounce can migrate users from Bluesky to Mastodon or Pixelfed at the time of commencement; however, the reverse is impossible. This is because Bluesky’s infrastructure presently only permits users to migrate off their servers, but does not permit migrations back. Bounce will initiate migration in the opposite direction when that occurs.
Furthermore, it is essential to note that early adopters cannot use their Bluesky credentials to enter into the app or other AT Protocol-based services once they have transferred their account from Bluesky.
Bounce’s launch is particularly opportune for Bluesky users in Mississippi, as it was developed by a nonprofit organization known as A New Social, the creator of Bridgy Fed.
Bluesky announced on Friday that it would prevent its service from operating in the state rather than comply with a new age assurance law that it deems excessively intrusive from a privacy perspective and would necessitate an excessive amount of resources for its small team to manage.
This has resulted in Bluesky users in the state being unable to access the social network, underscoring the necessity of tools enabling users to transfer their accounts to alternative platforms.
Bounce’s beta service will be accessible beginning on Monday and is intended for early adopters and open web enthusiasts prepared to provide feedback and test the service.
Users should familiarize themselves with the migration process before committing to the migration of their accounts, as it is not yet feasible to return to Bluesky after leaving the service, even though it is publicly accessible.