Tech Desk 
Aug 24, 2025
Renowned social media platform and X (formerly Twitter) competitor BlueSky has halted its service in Mississippi due to overly strict age verification laws.
That said, users in Mississippi have been unable to access BlueSky. A new law in Mississippi mandates age checks for social media platforms, going beyond existing regulations that apply to sites with explicit content.
Why is BlueSky blocked in Mississippi?
The standstill on the widely used social media site followed an announcement made on Friday by the company, clarifying that the operations in the state will be eased, citing financial burden and privacy issues for its users.
The company pointed out that Mississippi's law was daunting and took a significant toll on privacy.
Unlike the law in question, Bluesky reportedly adheres to the UK’s Online Safety Act, which only requires age verification for certain content without tracking which users are minors.
While lawmakers argued these measures are designed to protect children, they have broader implications. Such laws generally make the internet less accessible and compromise user privacy in exchange for access.
Bluesky's decision highlighted the tensions between regulatory efforts to safeguard young users and the need for open, private digital spaces.
