Age Verification Laws Sweep Missouri And Ohio: The Latest In Online Safety

Missouri and Ohio Crack Down on Adult Content

As online safety laws continue to evolve across America, Missouri and Ohio are the newest states to impose age verification regulations for accessing adult content. In Missouri, the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act is set to roll out on November 30, 2025. According to reports from KCTV5, sites featuring pornographic material will be required to verify users' ages using advanced methods like biometric facial age estimation. This law targets commercial platforms where at least a third of the content falls under the category of sexually explicit material.

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has emphasized the law's role in holding companies accountable and protecting minors from explicit content. "If these companies want to profit off explicit material in Missouri, they will not get a free pass. They must prove their users are adults or they will be shut out of our state," she asserts. Meanwhile, Ohio's age verification law, part of HB 96, takes effect on September 30, following several unsuccessful attempts.

ACLU and Industry Reactions

The American Civil Liberties Union has raised concerns, labeling Ohio's bill a "barrier to constitutionally protected speech" due to its ambiguous terms. Ohio's move marks the 25th state to adopt age assurance measures, often hinging on the definition of what is "harmful to juveniles." This ongoing debate around digital identity and free speech adds another layer of complexity to the legislations.

“The subjective nature of these laws is problematic, posing potential risks to free speech,” comments a representative from the ACLU.

Bluesky Faces Challenges in Mississippi

Social media platform Bluesky, designed similarly to Twitter, has voiced challenges over Mississippi's stringent age verification requirement for unverified users. Bluesky announced that adapting to this regulation would require major resource investments, which might limit free speech and hinder smaller platforms. As a result, they've opted to halt services in Mississippi, pending further legal proceedings.

The platform highlights its compliance with the UK’s Online Safety Act and its use of Kids Web Services (KWS) for age verification in South Dakota and Wyoming. “We believe this approach currently strikes the right balance,” a Bluesky statement reads, showcasing a commitment to maintaining service in these states without broad restrictions.

The Role of Kids Web Services

Kids Web Services, linked to Epic Games, utilizes a variety of age verification tools, combining Yoti’s facial age estimation with options like payment card checks and ID scans. Bluesky’s strategic adoption of KWS reflects an attempt to balance user accessibility and legal compliance.

This story underscores a growing trend of states adopting stringent digital identity laws, sparking debate over privacy and free speech in the digital age. As more states jump on board, platforms like Bluesky must navigate these legal waters with care and foresight.