Bluesky has blocked access to its service for users in Mississippi due to the state’s stringent age verification requirements. The decision follows the enactment of the Walker Montgomery Protecting Children Online Act (HB 1126), which mandates that all users verify their age and obtain parental consent if under 18 before accessing social media platforms. Platforms failing to comply face potential fines of up to $10,000 per user.
Bluesky, known for its decentralized approach, expressed concerns about the law’s broad scope and its ability to comply given its limited resources. The company stated that the law would require significant infrastructure investments, including age verification systems and parental consent mechanisms, which it cannot afford. Furthermore, Bluesky emphasized that the law’s requirements would necessitate the collection and storage of sensitive personal information from all users, raising privacy and free speech concerns.
In contrast, Bluesky complies with the UK’s Online Safety Act, which mandates age checks only for specific content, rather than for all users. The company highlighted that the Mississippi law’s comprehensive approach creates substantial barriers for smaller platforms and could stifle innovation and competition. The company has stated that the access block will remain in place until legal challenges to the law are resolved.
