Age verification on Bluesky is now mandatory for users in South Dakota and Wyoming, marking a significant shift in how social platforms comply with state-level online safety laws. This move means users must confirm their age to access private messaging and adult content, addressing one of the most common concerns about protecting minors online. The change follows growing legal pressure across the United States, where more states are introducing strict age verification requirements for social media platforms.
Bluesky’s age verification system ensures that only users of appropriate age can view sensitive content and use direct messages. To comply with South Dakota and Wyoming laws, users are required to provide identification, a payment card, or another approved method. This setup mirrors Bluesky’s earlier rollout of age verification in the UK, offering a safer online experience and reducing exposure of harmful content to underage users.
The process relies on Epic Games’ Kids Web Services (KWS), a trusted tool that integrates age checks and parental controls for digital platforms. Once users submit proof of age, the verification system confirms eligibility without storing unnecessary personal data. By partnering with KWS, Bluesky ensures a balance between user privacy and compliance with strict state regulations, a growing priority across multiple U.S. regions.
Unlike laws in other states that primarily target adult websites, South Dakota and Wyoming’s requirements apply to a broader range of platforms, including social networks. This means Bluesky users in these states must adapt to stricter access rules. While the change may feel restrictive to some, it ultimately strengthens online safety and shields younger audiences from inappropriate content. For adults, age verification becomes a quick step toward continuing full access to features like direct messaging and content sharing.
𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁, 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴. We’re more than just a social platform — from jobs and blogs to events and daily chats, we bring people and ideas together in one simple, meaningful space.