Last week, Australia became the first country to block under 16s from social media. Age verification AI could be a crucial tool in the ban, so we spoke to our journalist who has been to the industry-leader’s HQ to find out if the technology actually works. And we ask, could the UK follow suit? 

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guests:

• Mark Sellman, Technology Correspondent, The Times.
• Helen Rumbelow, Feature Writer, The Times. 

Host: Manveen Rana.

Producer: Samantha Chantarasak.

Clips: ABC News, 10 News First Australia, BBC Radio 4. 

Photo: Getty Images

Read Helen’s report: Can AI tell if a teen lies about their age?

Further listening: The myth of the X exodus 

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