Social media platform Bluesky has blocked users in Mississippi after refusing to comply with a new state age verification law.
The law, HB 1126, requires all users to verify their age, not just those accessing adult content, sparking criticism.
Bluesky, created by Twitter founder Jack Dorsey, said the law would “fundamentally change how users access Bluesky” and threaten privacy.
In a blog post, the company argued the measure would create “significant barriers” to free speech and harm smaller tech platforms.
Bluesky stressed it remains committed to child safety but warned Mississippi’s approach was too complicated for its relatively small team to handle.
The platform said complying would require new infrastructure and costly monitoring systems beyond its resources, leading to its decision to block access.
Bluesky complies with other regulations, such as the UK’s Online Safety Act, but said Mississippi’s law was unusually strict and overreaching.
Some users outside Mississippi were accidentally blocked due to mobile providers routing traffic through the state, adding to frustration and confusion.
Paul Frazee, Bluesky’s chief technology officer, said engineers are “working to deploy an update” to correct the location issue quickly.
Mississippi lawmakers argue HB 1126 protects minors, but critics fear stricter online rules could limit innovation and harm emerging platforms.
The decision highlights growing tension between privacy advocates and regulators pushing for tougher protections amid rising concern over children’s exposure online.
Bluesky’s move makes Mississippi one of the first US states where access to the app is completely restricted.
