Bluesky Adapts Age Verification Strategy Amid Changing Legislation
New Approach for Compliance in South Dakota and Wyoming
Bluesky, the emerging social networking platform, has adapted its approach to age verification to comply with differing state laws, particularly in South Dakota and Wyoming. This shift follows the company’s recent decision to suspend its services in Mississippi due to stringent regulations concerning age assurance.
Instead of entirely blocking access for unverified users, Bluesky will utilize the Kids Web Services (KWS) solution to facilitate age verification for its users in South Dakota and Wyoming. This innovative service offers various methods for users to authenticate their ages, including options such as payment cards, identity documents, and anonymous facial scans for age estimation. Additionally, this same compliance mechanism will be employed to meet the requirements of the United Kingdom’s Online Safety Act, which shares similar stipulations regarding age verification.
Commitment to User Accessibility
In a blog post released on Wednesday, Bluesky expressed its belief that this newly adopted method balances user accessibility with the need for compliance. The company stated, "Bluesky will remain available to users in these states, and we will not need to restrict the app for everyone."
While Bluesky acknowledges the necessity for governments to protect minors from potential online dangers, the small startup has faced challenges with broadly written regulations like those in Mississippi, which mandated age verification for all users, not just those seeking restricted content. The law would have required explicit parental consent for users under the age of 18, with penalties reaching up to $10,000 per non-compliant user.
Challenges for Smaller Platforms
The company had previously articulated that its limited resources made it difficult to implement the significant technical modifications required to comply with Mississippi’s legislation. Consequently, Bluesky decided to withdraw from the state, leaving larger entities like Meta to maintain their market position.
In contrast, Bluesky’s evaluation of the regulatory environment in South Dakota and Wyoming has led it to perceive a more feasible compliance path. The evolving landscape of age verification laws is not exclusive to the U.S.; similar initiatives are emerging globally. However, the absence of federal regulations has prompted many states to legislate their own age verification requirements, posing a unique challenge for smaller social networking platforms.
Privacy advocates have raised concerns about these laws, suggesting that they increase the risk of identity theft and compromise user privacy. Such implications highlight the ongoing debate about how best to protect children online while considering the operational viability of social platforms.
Conclusion
As Bluesky navigates these legislative challenges, its commitment to maintaining accessibility for its user base remains clear. The company’s proactive approach to age verification in South Dakota and Wyoming exemplifies its efforts to balance compliance with the needs of its community while remaining competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
