Bluesky Halts Services in Mississippi Following Controversial Age Assurance Law – What You Need to Know

Bluesky, a social networking startup, has decided to block its service in Mississippi. This decision follows the state’s new age verification law, which demands that all users provide their age before accessing the platform. In a recent blog post, Bluesky explained that it lacks the resources needed to implement such widespread changes. The company raised concerns over privacy and the law’s extensive reach.

According to Mississippi’s HB 1126, all social media users must verify their age, regardless of the content they want to access. This could lead to a hefty fine of up to $10,000 per user for noncompliance. Bluesky pointed out that this law doesn’t just aim to protect children; it may significantly limit free speech and unfairly impact smaller platforms like theirs.

To comply, Bluesky would need to collect and store sensitive user information and manage a system for tracking users under 18. This approach differs from other laws, such as the U.K.’s Online Safety Act, which only requires age verification for specific content.

Bluesky emphasizes that, unlike larger tech companies, it is a small team focused on decentralized technology. “Age verification systems require significant investment and resources that can overwhelm small providers,” they noted. This dynamic could reinforce the dominance of big tech firms while stifling innovative competitors.

As a result of this ban, some users outside Mississippi reported issues accessing the service. Bluesky’s CTO, Paul Frazee, mentioned that they are working on an update to improve location detection for users affected by routing traffic through Mississippi.

This situation opens a dialogue about age verification laws and their impact on online platforms. With increasing scrutiny on user privacy, many have raised concerns about how such regulations can hinder smaller businesses while protecting users’ rights. In a recent survey, about 67% of users expressed that privacy should take precedence over age verification measures.

Bluesky’s decision highlights a critical moment in the tech industry, where balancing safety and user freedom is increasingly challenging. As regulations evolve, it will be interesting to see how social media platforms respond to the changing landscape.



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