Bluesky, a popular social media platform alternative to Elon Musk’s X, has been blocked in Mississippi due to the state’s burdensome age verification laws. The new law requires users to undergo extensive age checks and provide sensitive personal information to access the site, posing significant challenges for smaller providers.
According to Bluesky, the law creates “challenges that go beyond its child safety goals” and “entrenches existing big tech platforms while stifling innovation and competition.” The company cited concerns over the cost burden and privacy implications of implementing such a system.
In contrast, other countries like the UK follow more lenient age verification requirements, such as the Online Safety Act. However, this law would require Bluesky to track which users are children and only perform age checks for certain material.
Experts warn that these restrictive laws have already led to widespread consequences, making the internet a less open place where users sacrifice their privacy for access. As smaller platforms struggle with the added burden, it remains to be seen how long Bluesky will remain blocked in Mississippi.
Source: https://mashable.com/article/bluesky-blocked-mississippi-age-verification-laws