Sad Boyz They're Censoring The Whole Internet (w/ Tom Scott)
Aug 23, 2025
Tom Scott, a British YouTuber and educator, dives into the complexities of age verification on the internet, weighing privacy concerns against the need for security. He recounts his humorous journey of overcoming his rollercoaster fears, and the conversation flows to regional accents and cultural quirks, such as the differences in driving between the US and UK. The evolution of malls into entertainment hubs sparks a nostalgic discussion about community identity, while insights into gambling and censorship provoke thoughts about governmental oversight and personal freedoms.
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From Phobia To Rollercoaster Obsession
- Tom Scott overcame a longstanding phobia and became obsessed with roller coasters after making a YouTube video about it.
- He visited many parks and rides, turning fear into sustained exploration and content.
Empty Mega-Mall Experience
- Tom visited the American Dream mall and described its vast, often empty attractions like the indoor ski slope and steep roller coaster.
- He noted the place felt like a mostly unused entertainment destination with many blank storefronts.
Age Checks Need Privacy-Preserving Design
- Governments want to block kids from porn, which is a reasonable goal but technically hard to do securely.
- Tom explains privacy-preserving options like zero-knowledge proofs and phone-based verification as better designs.
