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Social networking startup Bluesky has chosen to block access to its service in Mississippi, instead of complying with a new state law. The Bluesky age verification requirement under Mississippi’s HB 1126 demands that all users confirm their age before accessing social platforms.
However, in a blog post on Friday, the company explained that, as a small team, it lacks the resources to make the substantial technical changes the law requires. Additionally, Bluesky also raised concerns about the law’s broad scope and potential privacy risks.
It is noteworthy that HB 1126 forces platforms to introduce age checks for every user, not just for restricted content. The implications of this would mean Bluesky verifying all users’ ages. Besides, the company would have to obtain parental consent for anyone under 18. The penalties for noncompliance are steep, up to $10,000 per user.
Privacy Concerns Over Bluesky Age Verification
Bluesky worries that the law extends beyond protecting children. Instead, it would create significant barriers to free speech and disproportionately harm smaller platforms. Complying would require collecting and storing sensitive personal data from every user. Furthermore, this development will require more detailed monitoring of minors.
The company noted this differs from other frameworks like the U.K.’s Online Safety Act, which only requires age verification for specific types of content. Conversely, Mississippi’s law blocks access altogether unless users provide their sensitive information.
Unlike larger tech giants with vast resources, Bluesky argues that Bluesky’s age verification infrastructure demands would overwhelm small providers. “Age verification systems require infrastructure, developer time, and constant monitoring, costs that entrench big tech while stifling competition,” the company said.
Broader Impact and Technical Issues
Some Bluesky users outside Mississippi reported being unable to access the service due to cell providers routing traffic through the state. CTO Paul Frazee confirmed Saturday that the company was working on an update to improve location detection and resolve these issues.
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The company emphasized that the decision applies only to the Bluesky app built on the AT Protocol. Other apps using the same protocol may decide to handle the Bluesky age verification requirement differently.
Bluesky’s refusal to comply has highlighted how sweeping state-level regulations can challenge smaller platforms. In addition, it raises important questions about privacy, free speech, and the future of decentralized social networks.
