Bluesky CEO Advocates Decentralization at SXSW

At SXSW 2025, Bluesky CEO Jay Graber made a bold statement against centralized social media platforms by wearing a T-shirt that read 'Mundus sine caesaribus,' meaning 'A world without Caesars,' in direct contrast to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's similar shirt 'Aut Zuck aut nihil' — 'Either Zuck or nothing.' This fashion choice reflects Bluesky's commitment to decentralization and user control, allowing users to access its open-source code and create alternatives if needed. Graber emphasized that if a billionaire took over Bluesky, users could 'fork off' to other applications, an option not available with centralized platforms like Meta. Bluesky, originally a Twitter project, now operates independently and has grown significantly, attracting users dissatisfied with billionaire-owned platforms. The company’s user-centric approach offers a customizable experience, positioning it as a viable alternative to traditional social networks, which are often criticized for their lack of transparency and control.