Bluesky, the decentralized social networking platform, has announced the initiation of age verification measures for its users in Ohio, effective Monday, September 29, 2025. This move aligns with the state’s recent legislation aimed at safeguarding minors from accessing adult content online.
To facilitate this compliance, Bluesky has integrated the Kids Web Services (KWS) age verification system, a solution already in use by the platform in South Dakota and Wyoming to meet similar legal requirements. KWS offers multiple methods for users to verify their age, including uploading government-issued identification, facial recognition scans, and payment card verification.
The Ohio law mandates that users provide proof of age before accessing adult content, encompassing materials that may be available on social media platforms. By implementing KWS, Bluesky aims to provide a seamless and secure verification process for its users, ensuring compliance with the state’s regulations while maintaining user privacy.
This development follows Bluesky’s recent decision to suspend services in Mississippi due to the state’s broad and resource-intensive age verification law. The company cited limited resources and the substantial technical changes required as reasons for its inability to comply with Mississippi’s legislation.
The introduction of age verification measures in Ohio underscores the challenges faced by emerging social media platforms in navigating a complex and evolving regulatory landscape. While these laws aim to protect minors, they also pose potential barriers for smaller platforms striving to compete with established tech giants.
In addition to implementing age verification, Bluesky has recently updated its moderation policies to more aggressively address violations of community guidelines, including harassment and toxic content. These efforts reflect the platform’s commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive online environment for all users.
