Bluesky, the decentralized social media platform, has blocked users in Mississippi after a new state law requiring strict age verification went into effect.
The law, known as the Walker Montgomery Protecting Children Online Act (HB 1126), forces online platforms to verify the age of all users and get parental consent for minors. Companies that fail to comply face penalties of up to $10,000 per violation.
Bluesky said it cannot meet the law’s demands without collecting sensitive personal data and tracking minors, which would change how its service works. As a result, the platform has decided to block access for all users in Mississippi rather than risk noncompliance.
The law is already facing legal challenges. The U.S. Supreme Court recently allowed it to move forward but noted it could be unconstitutional. For now, anyone in Mississippi trying to access Bluesky will see a block message—unless they use a VPN.
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