

Mic Drop: Age of Consent
Aug 1, 2025
John Payne, a privacy advocate, delves into Australia's bold move to potentially ban social media for kids under 16. He discusses how this policy could necessitate cracking open comprehensive digital IDs, raising significant privacy issues for everyone. The conversation tackles the impact of social media on youth mental health, examines the responsibilities of tech companies, and highlights the tensions between safeguarding children and protecting digital freedoms. Payne makes a compelling case that this is about more than just kids; it’s a critical intersection of privacy and policy.
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Australia's Social Media Ban Intent
- Australia aims to ban kids under 16 from social media to reduce social harm and promote safety.
- This reflects a broader cultural shift towards embedding digital guardrails similar to car safety regulations.
Concentrated Power Risks Oversight
- Australia's ban gives significant power to the communications minister and the eSafety Commissioner to decide affected platforms.
- This centralization risks reduced parliamentary oversight and potential overreach.
Impact on Marginalized Youths
- The ban may harm marginalized or remote youths who rely on social media for social and political expression.
- It could infringe on children's autonomy and political rights increasingly exercised online.