The rise of bots has cast a shadow over social media platforms, threatening user engagement and trust. But there’s a potential solution: decentralization. Experts believe this shift could help combat bot activity and restore integrity to the digital landscape. This shift involves empowering users with control over their data and communication, which would lessen the impact of manipulative bots. Jack Dorsey, founder of Bluesky, even describes decentralization as ‘a path to restore trust and integrity in social interactions’. A growing number of experts agree: decentralized platforms are vital for combating bot manipulation. Vitalik Buterin, co-creator of Ethereum, sees blockchain technology as a key component for scaling user identities, thus supporting decentralized social media. This shift, however, raises questions about the potential power dynamics created by decentralization and its impact on existing regulatory frameworks. While traditional powers might be challenged, institutions like Columbia SIPA are supporting this transition through new trust and safety tooling consortia. The road ahead requires careful consideration of both opportunities and challenges as platforms move towards decentralization.