The Tech Shock podcast – From child rights to regulation: are we in a good place?

“Over much of the time that the internet has been evolving it has become increasingly weaponised against children [...] the evidence and risks are becoming quite terrifying.” 

The online world is something that continually evolves. As it does, certain possible risks and harms do too. 

Children’s data is sometimes viewed as a commodity whilst engagement-driving algorithms promote harmful content. Regulation struggles to keep pace with new developments and emerging tech like generative AI, and parental controls and age verification – though aimed at safety – can end up sidelining (or infringing on) child rights. 

Are we yet in a good place to tackle some of these challenges? And if not, where next? Helping Vicki answer this question is Sonia Livingstone, professor at the London School of Economics and Director of the Digital Futures for Children Centre. 

You can listen to the episode in full, here.