Never Post The Cat and Mouse Game of Age Verification Online
Aug 27, 2025
David Huerta, a senior digital security trainer at Freedom of the Press Foundation, dives into the maze of age verification laws and their impact on minors online. He discusses the recent blocking of Bluesky in Mississippi and the use of VPNs to navigate these challenges. The conversation touches on the implications for smaller tech companies, the legal battles surrounding new regulations, and the pressing need for transparency in data access. Huerta's insights reveal the complexities of balancing online safety with privacy concerns, making for a thought-provoking discussion.
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Broad Age Law Creates Chilling Risks
- Mississippi's HB 1126 forces platforms to verify ages and restricts access without parental consent, creating broad moderation obligations.
- The law's vague categories (e.g., "any other illegal activity") expand risk and chill speech for platforms.
Legal Injunction Denied, Law Temporarily Active
- Courts signaled the law is likely unconstitutional but declined immediate relief, leaving enforcement in effect.
- That interim enforcement lets states impose burdens while legal challenges proceed, affecting access now.
ID Uploads Carry Long-Term Risk
- David Huerta recounts privacy risks of uploading IDs and repeated breaches of basic storage practices.
- He warns that driver's license data is harder to change than passwords, raising long-term stakes.
