Bluesky Blocks Mississippi Access Over Age Verification Law
Bluesky Mississippi age verification law has sparked debate after the social platform chose to block access in the state rather than comply with new regulations. The law, known as HB 1126, requires all users of social media platforms to verify their age before gaining access. Bluesky explained that implementing such a system would demand extensive technical resources and raise serious privacy concerns, especially for a small startup competing against larger tech companies.
Image Credits:Bluesky
Why Bluesky Opposed The Mississippi Law
According to Bluesky, the law goes beyond child safety measures by mandating verification for every user, not just for age-restricted content. This means the platform would have to collect sensitive data from all users and seek parental consent for anyone under 18. Noncompliance could result in penalties as high as $10,000 per user. Bluesky argued that such requirements create barriers for free speech and disproportionately harm smaller platforms without the resources to build large-scale verification systems.
Privacy And Competition Concerns
Bluesky emphasized that compliance would force it to store and manage sensitive personal information, including data on minors. Unlike regulations such as the U.K.’s Online Safety Act, which only requires checks for specific content, Mississippi’s law imposes broad verification standards. The company believes this approach entrenches larger tech firms while discouraging innovation from smaller players. This is why Bluesky decided that blocking access in Mississippi was the only feasible option to protect both its users’ privacy and its mission to build decentralized technology.
What This Means For Users And Platforms
For now, users in Mississippi cannot access Bluesky’s official app built on the AT Protocol, although third-party apps may take different approaches. The broader debate highlights the growing tension between child protection, user privacy, and competition in the tech industry. Bluesky’s move underscores how smaller companies face tougher challenges when navigating complex legal landscapes. The outcome of this law could shape how emerging platforms handle compliance in the future, especially as more states consider similar legislation.
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