Mastodon, the decentralized social network, stated it cannot comply with age verification laws like Mississippi’s recent legislation because it lacks the technical capability to do so[1]. While Mastodon’s software allows server administrators to specify a minimum age of 16 for sign-ups, the age-check data is not stored, and the nonprofit has no way to verify users’ ages[1:1].
The organization emphasizes that individual server owners must decide for themselves whether to implement age verification, noting that Mastodon was founded specifically “to allow different jurisdictions to have social media that is independent of the U.S.”[1:2]
This stance follows Bluesky’s decision to block service in Mississippi over similar age verification requirements[1:3]. Mastodon’s position highlights the unique challenges decentralized platforms face with regional compliance, as there is “nobody that can decide for the fediverse to block Mississippi,” according to Mastodon founder Eugen Rochko[1:4].
Oh wow I had no idea, thank you for informing me. I believe you with no proof.
Edit: I made this comment with the belief that by “it” they meant “a free internet”
sure, but chill
Why should we? People need to start feeling dumb for buying into this nonsense, because they are.
because their objective in doing this is surveillance, not really to “protect children”. the entire point is moot anyway, and we shouldn’t spend our anger at each other.
(and i’d argue blanket age-gating stuff like wikipedia is probably harmful for children, yea)