Mississippi’s Age Verification Law: A Boon for Big Tech, a Bane for Small Platforms
Bluesky and Dreamwidth have blocked users in Mississippi, fearing hefty fines from the state’s age verification law. While intended to curb Big Tech, the law ironically strengthens it by squeezing out smaller platforms. So, for now, Mississippi residents will have to find other ways to procrastinate online. Sorry, Mississippians, we can’t afford you!
Hot Take:
Mississippi’s got 99 problems, but Bluesky ain’t one! In a twist that no one saw coming (except everyone), Mississippi internet users now find themselves exiled from Bluesky and Dreamwidth. Why? Because the state decided to make age verification more intimidating than a visit to the DMV! So, grab your popcorn and watch as small platforms flee the Magnolia State faster than a cat from a vacuum cleaner. Welcome to the age of Big Tech dominance, where small platforms are singing the blues and age verification is the villain of this cyber-soap opera!
Key Points:
– Mississippi’s age verification law, H.B. 1126, forces platforms to implement intrusive checks.
– Bluesky and Dreamwidth have blocked users in Mississippi to avoid hefty fines.
– Age verification laws consolidate power with Big Tech, sidelining smaller platforms.
– The Supreme Court lifted a previous injunction on H.B. 1126, allowing it to proceed.
– EFF argues these laws violate First Amendment rights and compromise privacy.