It's definitely pre-emptive caving. As someone who lives here in Arkansas I figure my days might be numbered here as well given my nepotism cornpone governor will almost certainly follow suit.

noooooo

Haha right? Here's hoping not.

I fully expect the great Bible belt firewall to be implemented, because "conservative" government can't have any credible threats to absolute authority, ever. Because something something freedom

Yep. All while pulling this shit.

"Pre-emptive caving" It's a Mississippi law, FFS!

Bluesky could implement some kind of age verification if they wanted to FFS! Not that I think they should, but in no way do they have to bail on the entire state either.

So, they could take either of the legal options, but you think they shouldn't take either, and somehow still offer services in the state? How would that work - would the state just not notice what they were doing? Ignore it? Shut it down and fine them?

$10K per violation I think

Bluesky has no choice in the matter. Unless they can afford to reconstruct their site to accommodate the Mississippi requirement to verify a users age, they will be breaking the law to continue serving the state. This was brought to you in Mississippi by your State Legislature and SCOTUS!