Tom Symonds

Vivian Schiller, a former head of news at Twitter, joins Alison Holt, the BBC’s social affairs editor, and Tom Symonds, a BBC political correspondent, to discuss Meta's controversial decision to end independent fact-checking on its platforms. They debate the implications of replacing fact-checkers with community notes and the challenge of balancing free speech with misinformation. The conversation also delves into lessons learned from past inquiries into child sexual abuse, emphasizing the importance of urgent action and awareness to protect vulnerable individuals.

Tom Symonds, a seasoned BBC political correspondent specializing in home affairs, delves into the heated debate surrounding a national inquiry into grooming gangs. He discusses the political dynamics of the House of Commons vote and the urgent calls from victims for accountability. The podcast also explores proposed child protection policies, including a new register for out-of-school youth and the impact of educational reforms on children's welfare. Lastly, the implications of unique identifiers for vulnerable children are examined, highlighting the challenges of implementation.

Prince Harry's recent phone hacking victory against Mirror Group Newspapers is analyzed, discussing the implications for the Royal Family and the press in the UK. The chapter also explores the emergence of phone hacking lawsuits and settlements as a lucrative industry for lawyers, along with ongoing investigations and civil cases involving Prince Harry. His mission to reform tabloids and ongoing clashes with the media are also discussed. The chapter concludes with a mention of a television series covering events of the 1950s and 1960s and a call to action for listeners to engage with the podcast.