Mississippi’s age assurance law puts decentralized social networks to the test

The article discusses Mississippi's new age assurance law and its impact on decentralized social networks. The law requires online platforms to verify the age of users before allowing them access, which poses a challenge for decentralized networks like Bluesky. Bluesky, a decentralized social network, has announced that it would block access to its service in Mississippi rather than comply with the new law. This decision highlights the conflict between the decentralized nature of these platforms and the regulatory demands of individual states. The article emphasizes the broader implications of this issue, as decentralized networks are designed to be resistant to centralized control and censorship. The age assurance law raises concerns about the ability of states to regulate and impose their own requirements on these types of platforms, which could set a precedent for other states to follow. The article provides a concise and unbiased summary of the key facts, focusing on the essential details of the new law, Bluesky's response, and the broader implications for decentralized social networks.