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Bluesky rolls out age verification for users in Ohio
Bluesky will implement age verification for users in Ohio starting September 29 to comply with new local regulations aimed at protecting children from online risks. The company uses Kids Web Services’ solution, already in use in South Dakota and Wyoming, allowing users to verify ages through various methods including ID upload and facial scans.
Key points
- Bluesky implements age verification in Ohio effective September 29 due to state laws.
- The Kids Web Services’ (KWS) solution will enable age verification methods beyond just ID uploads.
- Ohio's law requires users to verify age before accessing adult content, using photo IDs or other personal info.
- The regulation aims to protect children from online pornography amid increasing state-level laws without federal guidelines.
- In contrast, poorly written laws in states like Mississippi led Bluesky to suspend services there, highlighting disparities in legal requirements.
- The verified age requirement may deter new users and shift focus from innovation to compliance amidst competition from larger tech firms.
Why it matters
- The trend of age verification in the digital space reflects broader concerns about child safety online, with many states enacting laws as a response to growing internet risks.
- The challenges faced by Bluesky illustrate the difficulties smaller tech companies encounter in navigating a patchwork of state regulations, especially in contrast to tech giants like Meta.
- Similar to data protection laws, age verification could become a significant trend in IT and social media compliance practices through 2025, impacting user engagement and platform development.
Bluesky's rollout of age verification in Ohio addresses local regulations aimed at protecting children but may hinder the startup's growth and innovation amid a landscape dominated by larger competitors.