Bluesky rolls out age verification in South Dakota & Wyoming
Bluesky is expanding its age verification measures in the U.S.: users in South Dakota and Wyoming will be required to verify their age to access direct messages (DMs) and adult content. The company says other features remain available to unverified users, but age-restricted features will be blocked until verification is completed.
How verification works
- Bluesky will use Epic Games’ Kids Web Services (KWS) to perform checks.
- Offered verification methods include anonymous facial-age estimation, ID/document scans, or payment-card checks.
Why this matters
The move follows new state laws in South Dakota and Wyoming requiring platforms to verify ages for access to potentially harmful or adult content. Bluesky previously chose to block its service in Mississippi rather than comply with a broader law it said would harm free speech and smaller platforms.
“We believe this approach currently strikes the right balance,” Bluesky said, noting it expects more regulations in other states and countries.
As of recent reports, about 25 states have passed laws requiring some form of age verification for adult content access; several more are considering similar requirements.
What to read next
- TechCrunch summary of Bluesky’s decision: TechCrunch
- Additional coverage: Hashe
If you’ve experienced the verification flow or have thoughts on platform-level age checks vs. access restrictions, please comment below.
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