If you live in Mississippi, you may have noticed that you are no longer able to log into your Bluesky or Dreamwidth accounts from within the state. That’s because, in a chilling early warning sign for the U.S., both social platforms decided to block all users in Mississippi from their services rather than risk hefty fines under the state’s oppressive age verification mandate.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.dbzer0.com/post/52719863

This consolidation of power is a dream come true for the Big Tech platforms, but it’s a nightmare for users. While the megacorporations get more traffic and a whole lot more user data (read: profit), users are left with far fewer community options and a bland, corporate surveillance machine instead of a vibrant public sphere. The internet we all fell in love with is a diverse and colorful place, full of innovation, connection, and unique opportunities for self-expression. That internet—our internet—is worth defending.

  • floofloof@lemmy.caOPEnglish
    7·
    2 days ago

    Yes, my first instinct was that the Fediverse needs to prepare to retreat behind something like Tor or i2p, but even if it could be done technically, it would hugely reduce activity on Fediverse sites. And this might be a good enough win for the forces that want to shut it down.

      • floofloof@lemmy.caOPEnglish
        2·
        2 hours ago

        I agree. It’s at best a dodge. And it won’t just be Mississippi. Many Governments seem to be pushing suddenly for ID verification for internet users. This is a rights issue not a tech issue.