Bluesky Age Verification in Ohio - New User Requirements

Bluesky to Implement Age Verification in Ohio

Starting Monday, September 29, the social network Bluesky will initiate age verification for its users located in the state of Ohio. This action is being taken to ensure compliance with recently enacted state regulations.

Adopting the Kids Web Services Solution

Bluesky, which presents itself as an open and decentralized alternative to platforms like X and Threads, will integrate the age verification solution provided by Kids Web Services (KWS). This same solution is currently utilized by Bluesky in both South Dakota and Wyoming to adhere to comparable legal requirements.

Response to Growing State Regulations

The announcement regarding Ohio was made on Sunday through Bluesky’s official Safety account, and also as an update to a blog post published last month addressing this issue. A growing number of U.S. states are enacting their own age verification laws.

This wave of legislation aims to safeguard children from online risks, particularly in the absence of comprehensive federal guidance. The Ohio law specifically intends to shield children from exposure to pornography.

Requirements Under the Ohio Law

The Ohio legislation mandates that users within the state provide a copy of their government-issued photo identification or another form of personal identification before gaining access to adult content. This encompasses the type of material frequently encountered on social networking sites.

KWS Verification Methods

KWS will supply the necessary technical infrastructure for Bluesky to verify user ages. Users will have multiple verification options available, extending beyond simply uploading a government ID.

According to KWS’s website, verification can also be achieved through facial scans, payment card information, and other methods. (It's important to note that facial scans are not currently offered by KWS within the United States.) Available U.S. methods include ID scans, credit card verification, and social security number checks.

Challenges with Varying State Laws

Unfortunately, age assurance laws across different U.S. states are not uniformly written. This inconsistency presents challenges for platforms operating nationally.

Bluesky's Suspension of Services in Mississippi

A law implemented in Mississippi, characterized by imprecise and overly broad wording, prompted Bluesky to suspend its services within the state. The company explained that its limited team lacked the resources to implement the extensive technical modifications required for compliance.

This situation effectively favored larger competitors, such as Meta, which maintains a dominant position in the social networking landscape.

Potential Impact on Smaller Startups

These legal obligations could disproportionately affect smaller startups like Bluesky, which are still striving to establish themselves in the market dominated by tech giants like Meta. Age verification requirements may discourage potential users and divert the team’s focus from innovation in areas like features and underlying technology.

Recent Moderation Updates

The implementation of age verification in Ohio follows recent pushback from some Bluesky users regarding updates to the company’s moderation services and terms. Bluesky has recently committed to stricter penalties for violations of its guidelines, including those pertaining to harassment and toxic behavior.