Simon Willison has released a new tool designed to identify automated reply bots on Bluesky. The software scans user profiles for specific behavioural patterns, such as replies posted within seconds of another message from the same account. It also flags accounts that never publish their own content or images but instead consistently respond to users with higher follower counts. The developer noted particular frustration with bots that append question marks to their messages, forcing humans to waste time answering queries no one else posed.
The utility stems from Bluesky’s continued support for a freely available API, which facilitates easier investigation compared to other platforms. While the lack of restrictions does not prevent bots from operating, it allows researchers to build diagnostic tools more readily. This approach highlights how open access points can be repurposed to combat spam.
* The tool was developed using Opus 5.5 via vibe coding.
* It targets accounts that consistently reply to higher-follower users without posting original content.
* Question marks in bot replies are flagged as a specific annoyance.
