Bluesky is expanding its compliance efforts with state-level internet safety laws by introducing age verification in Ohio.
Beginning Monday, September 29, users in Ohio will be required to verify their ages to access certain content on the decentralized social platform. The move comes as the state enforces a new law designed to shield children from exposure to pornography and other online risks.
Bluesky will implement the Kids Web Services (KWS) age verification solution, the same system already in use in South Dakota and Wyoming. The platform announced the update on Sunday via its Bluesky Safety account, as well as in a revision to a previous blog post.
Under the Ohio law, users must upload a government-issued photo ID or provide other forms of identification before accessing adult content on the platform. KWS supports multiple verification methods, including facial scans, payment card checks, and additional options, offering alternatives beyond ID uploads.
The rollout underscores the challenges smaller social media startups face as U.S. states push forward with their own age assurance rules, often in the absence of consistent federal guidance. Laws vary widely: a poorly drafted Mississippi law forced Bluesky to suspend services in the state, citing the technical and resource burdens of compliance, a gap that left more room for larger competitors like Meta.
These new requirements could slow user growth for platforms like Bluesky, where additional verification steps may discourage sign-ups. They also risk diverting resources away from product innovation in areas like features, protocols, and decentralized infrastructure.
Related: Bluesky Tightens Moderation Rules, Promises Faster Bans
The Ohio update also follows user concerns over Bluesky’s moderation policies. The company recently pledged stricter enforcement against harassment and toxic content, signaling a broader effort to balance safety, compliance, and user growth as it scales.
