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.