Bluesky just recently rolled out similar age verification features for its users in South Dakota and Wyoming. This decision is a response to the just recently passed age verification laws in those states. The effort is very much inspired by what’s been going on in the United Kingdom. There, Bluesky utilizes Epic Games and Kids Web Services’ (KWS) age verification program. This compliance is intended to create a safer online experience without limiting access for users in these areas.
These new age verification measures are intended to go above and beyond complying with legal requirements that South Dakota and Wyoming have imposed. Because these laws don’t actually prevent underage users from creating accounts, Bluesky is still able to serve this wide audience. Providing multiple ways to verify ages, the KWS program meets user requirements through different verification approaches.
Background on State Legislation
South Dakota and Wyoming’s recently passed legislation requires big tech platforms institute age verification to better protect users, especially vulnerable children. Mississippi’s burdensome laws ultimately led to Bluesky pausing its services. South Dakota and Wyoming have both passed new laws to permit development of underage account creation, threading the needle on their pro-innovation approaches. This holistic approach to emissions is indicative of a growing trend among states. They’re developing frameworks for social media engagement that permit younger users to engage without the abrupt prohibitions.
Under Mississippi’s strict age verification law, every single user would have needed to be age-verified, thus locking out users without verified accounts. It also requires companies to prevent children under 14 from creating accounts, and require teenagers aged 14 to 16 to obtain parental consent. In neighboring South Dakota and Wyoming, the rules are extremely permissive. This enables Bluesky’s platform to keep functioning in that little patch of sky.
Similarities with Other State Laws
Bluesky’s recent changes are happening as age verification implementation and legislation is being discussed nationwide. This is further complicated by a new law passed in Texas that requires parental consent for minors accessing social media accounts. Florida has recently made headlines by passing a law that would ban users younger than 14 from accessing social media sites. This new law is set to go into effect in January 2025.
These changes point to an emerging dialogue regarding the role of social media companies in safeguarding underage users. Bluesky has played defense with preemptive action in South Dakota and Wyoming. These moves further enhance the company’s reputation as a compliance-focused industry leader and most importantly benefit its large, global and growing user base.
The Future of Bluesky in Regulated Markets
Although difficulties presented by different state regulations have complicated efforts, Bluesky is still committed to serving its remote, rural South Dakota and Wyoming homes. KWS age verification strengthens the platform’s objectives of building a trustworthy online space. It highlights the platform’s flexibility to meet legal needs in different contexts.
Lawmakers have put the hammer down to address social media access by minors. Bluesky’s efforts would make for a great case study for other platforms attempting to solve the same issue. The balance between protecting young users and allowing them access to digital spaces is delicate but essential as the conversation evolves.
