(MENAFN- The Arabian Post)

A US Supreme Court order permitting Mississippi's social media age-verification law to be enforced has prompted Bluesky to block access across the state. Critics warn the measure infringes on free speech and user privacy, while proponents contend it offers vital protection for children.

Bluesky has suspended service entirely to IP addresses in Mississippi, citing the law's sweeping demands and the technical burden it imposes. The measure-known as the Walker Montgomery Protecting Children Online Act -mandates that social media platforms verify all users' ages through“commercially reasonable efforts”, secure parental consent for minors, limit data collection, prevent exposure to harmful content, and monitor under-18 users. Violations can incur civil penalties up to $10,000 per offence, or even criminal sanctions including imprisonment, reflecting the severity with which Mississippi is pursuing enforcement.

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court declined to block enforcement of the law as litigation continues, ruling that the trade group NetChoice-backed by major technology firms-had not met the stringent standard needed for an emergency stay. Justice Brett Kavanaugh noted that the law is“likely unconstitutional”, but that NetChoice had not demonstrated immediate, irreparable harm. A district court had previously enjoined the law, but the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals lifted that injunction in April, allowing the law to take effect pending further legal proceedings.

Bluesky responded that complying with HB 1126 would require infrastructure expansion beyond what a small team can support, and would involve collecting sensitive personal information even from adult users-a step it deems disproportionate. It emphasised that the law would reshape how the platform operates, curtailing free expression and privacy for all users.

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Supporters argue the law is essential to shield minors from online threats such as self-harm, bullying, grooming, trafficking and exploitative content. Mississippi officials have defended the law as a necessary measure in the face of growing evidence about social media's impact on youth mental health and safety.

Legal experts and critics highlight the broader implications, suggesting that if the law withstands judicial scrutiny, platforms nationwide may need to adopt robust age-gating systems, or risk exclusion from states enforcing similar measures. The ruling marks a legal turning point in the national debate over digital platform regulation, balancing child protection against constitutional protections for speech and privacy.

As litigation proceeds, both sides reaffirm their positions. NetChoice remains confident of eventual victory, pointing to Justice Kavanaugh's concurrence as supportive of its First Amendment arguments. Meanwhile, Bluesky continues to argue that the law's implementation would fundamentally conflict with its commitment to an open, privacy-preserving social network.

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