Sorry. I’m not (!) joining Threads. I’m not supporting Zuckerberg. Hope you’ll be back on Bluesky soon.

MFP is on Threads here: www.threads.com/@msfreepress...

Can you not use a VPN? I'm not touching a Meta product with a ten foot pole.

The problem in this case is that VPN usage only makes sense when you are otherwise theoretically able to be in the place you are tunneling through. People who run official websites/local services in the state that is affected would give away that they are evading a block mechanism though.

What would the state do at that point? It's not like the state is specifically blocking bluesky, it's actually the opposite. I do understand the fact that in-state readers won't see their content, but it is important that out of state readers can as well. I will be subscribing to the newsletter.

Yeah that is the million dollar question. In the end governments have to face that each region either ends up like China or people just reroute their traffic either way — be it with an official VPN or a network of private setups. In some cases ISPs are pressured, but the effect is limited.

Another problem for regional media is, if the *audience* skews local in a blocked region, getting through the block yourself doesn't put your stories on a shelf your audience can reach.

They can reach their local audience in other ways. A VPN would still reach non-locals, non-devotee readers who like their content, and I think that is also important, especially in the case of MFP, who speak for most of the South.

Question: MS can’t do anything to end-users for evading these blocks, can they? The law is for the companies to enforce & not the end-users to abide by, yes?

That is the question. It is possible that as soon as evading becomes a thing they witness, they would go after Bluesky for not banning the accounts that are evading. The issue is basically how they would enforce that, because platforms like Bluesky have no interest in banning users for just-using.

You’re very helpful, so I’m going to bother you for another minute—otherwise, I’d have to hash this out with ChatGPT, LOL. With what you said in mind, I just can’t see how BlueSky could be held responsible if a user is physically downloading a VPN onto their own device.

Oh that’s not the problem. The problem is that Bluesky isn’t allowed to serve them officially anymore under the circumstances defined by the filtering state. Because the VPN allows access under a fake location, there’s the stupid expectation against companies (incl ISPs) to detect and ban VPN usage.

Story on what's going on for reference: www.mississippifreepress.org/supreme-cour...

To be clear, I'm not blaming BlueSky for this situation. I understand perfectly well WHY BlueSky is blocking access to Mississippi IPs; the state government gave them no other viable choice. We are looking into our options, of course (including VPNs).

I'm able to access it with a VPN, but only on my laptop and desktop. No mobile access whatsoever.

Get yourself a VPN and post. There are several browser-plugin-based ones that are brilliant. Granted, it makes it difficult for Mississippians to get to your content, but they will also be using VPNs just to give their state legislature the middle finger. I *refuse* to bow to age verification.

Agreed, this is putting Bluesky in a bad position and from what I've seen so far its been a breath of fresh air. Good luck on your next move.

something you already know but other posters might have overlooked is while you and the MFP may be able to use VPNs, many of your readers in Mississippi can't or won't

ABSOLUTELY GET A VPN. And share it with your staff and contributors in the state. If only we could create a Mississippi citizen VPN fund. My life will literally turn to shit without one, and it's already shit as-is

Another way y'all can really help us right now is with a donation. We're a nonprofit newsroom and our stories are free for anyone to read (no paywalls), so your support helps a lot. We appreciate whatever y'all can give. Here's the link: givebutter.com/mfpdonate

My new editorial: "Whatever the Mississippi Legislature’s intent, we now find ourselves in a place where we are now having to grapple with how to ensure we can stay connected with all of our readers, many of whom follow us on BlueSky." www.mississippifreepress.org/editors-note...

Yeah that's not a harbinger of doom or anything.

This one hurts to read.

Does this law also apply to other social media platforms?

📌

Sign up for our newsletter at this link instead, it's much simpler! www.mississippifreepress.org/newsletters/

Done. I hope everyone will sign up. MFP provides excellent reporting on how Mississippians live. I will miss the posts here and look forward to their return.

Don't forget to follow us at @mississippifreepress.org! We're going to keep posting if we can!

I am so…it doesn’t matter. The work of MFP is so important. Will find you wherever you are, though hope it continues to be here. One way or another.

bsky.app/profile/leaf...

I would love there to be a thorough discussion by people who want to do the right things as to how we can actually protect kids on social media platforms. It can't be left up to the platform because they won't do it. I hope this stimulates that conversation but I'm sorry for people in Mississippi.

fwiw I'm not using a VPN and for some reason am not blocked yet.

Sorry to hear about this. I've enjoyed your reporting.

People need to look into a free VPN! There are a lot out there, this has worked for me for free with no lag, ads, or anything else. I have no affiliation with them just promoting privacy. I have been using Proton for a while and it’s available for all platforms. protonvpn.com/free-vpn

Done! Great cause, especially with the fall of NPR and PBS. Rooting for you, good luck!

Will do. This sucks.

I’d love to donate BUT …. not to be forever hounded (ActBlue)?or to give up information that I don’t want to share. Do you have a PO Box?

The issues with ActBlue are a little more complicated. The “forever hounding” and sharing of donor information is being done by the campaigns that use ActBlue, not by ActBlue itself. The problem with ActBlue is that they haven’t been policing this spammy fundraising behavior by their customers.

MFP likely isn’t in the business of selling donor information, but quite a few shady political action committees are.

Never donate using your primary email address. Create a separate email just for donations.

On this page it says you can mail a check to this address: Mississippi Journalism and Education Group 125 S. Congress St. #1324 Jackson, MS 39201

Thank you! We do not sell donor information, but this is the correct way to send us a check by mail. Thanks all for your support!

It’s on its way.

I don't know of any nonprofit journalist outlets that sell your information. I don't think MFP does either.

I would check with BlueSky first season not to be shadow banned, but why not use a VPN with a location reference outside of MS?

Thank you.

Just subscribed to your newsletter. Please keep up the good work, because it is simply awesome.

Mississippi is blocking Bluesky for its residents.

But probably also porn, so there is the lever.

VPN time

I foresee a vpn in the future for many democrats/independents, ie non magats.

Oh 100%! Privacy is being attacked on all fronts. Also anyone/thing that talks facts, science, or truth. This is a real example and outcome of an authoritarian form of government trying to control reality. Peak boiled frog stage.

Vivaldi has a built on VPN provided throguh ProtonVPN that is free. It is the only "free" VPN that I would ever suggest. Vivaldi is built on Chromium, if it works on Chrome it works on Vivaldi. Proton is based in Switzerland with a reliable record on respecting privacy and security of their users.

Don’t use a “free” VPN like Proton. They log your data and sell it. I’m in Mexico & have been using NordVPN for 4 years w zero issues. It’s $60/year & worth every cent.

I read your post not blaming BlueSky for the situation, it has more to do w/the Supreme Court allowing states to use age verification so of course Red states are jumping in to try & prohibit folks in their states from reading/posting. Please continue to be clear about BlueSky blocking Mississippi.

From my understanding of the ruling, this is likely a temporary situation. Do you have somebody located outside Misssissippi who can post for you?

Can you "move" to Georgia? Bounce everything out of a different state? Related from a few days ago:

Contact @proton.me to see if they would like to sponsor your organization with VPNs, I think this is right up their alley and would align with their mission.

Proton logs and sells your data. They’re going to have to pay if they want secure VPN access, unfortunately. I’ve used Nord from Mexico for 4 years w zero issues. 6 devices for their cheapest plan. $60/yr. I’ve also heard whispers about “retail home servers” from digital nomads that u can rent.

I've never had a single person say this until now. Proton's mission and terms are clear that this doesn't happen.

They arent based in Mississippi so why do they have to follow their state govt?

Is Amazon working in Mississippi? Does it require DOB?

Why can’t you just verify with BlueSky that the people posting on your page are 18+?

On the face of things, it seems that SC(R)OTUS has only rejected an emergency appeal, probably because the question needs a full hearing, and even Lord Justice Boofter sounds inclined to hold for the 1A. So maybe MFP could pull a trumpy here and just ignore the law until it's struck down.

So no social media at all in Mississippi?

Can you use VPNs?