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.

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

Host: Manveen Rana.

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

Photo: Getty Images

Further listening: The myth of the X exodus

The Times and The Sunday Times starter pack on Bluesky

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gregg Wallace, the presenter of one of the BBC's most popular programmes 'MasterChef' has stepped back from the show while allegations of historical misconduct are investigated. Over the weekend, he said complaints came from “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age” - a comment he has now apologised for. His lawyers say he denies behaviour of a sexually harassing nature but as the BBC faces pressure to pull the programme from the schedules, and even Downing Street has waded in, what now for the presenter - and for the BBC?

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

Guest: Rosamund Urwin, Media Editor, The Sunday Times.

Host: Manveen Rana.

Clips: BBC, Gregg Wallace, Times Radio.

Photo: Getty Images.

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It started two years ago, when Elon Musk bought Twitter, now X. People fled the social media platform, citing a change in the algorithm and concerns over the unchecked spread of misinformation, conspiracy theories and hate speech. Following the US election and Musk's appointment to Donald Trump's team, millions more have departed - including The Guardian newspaper. So, does this signal a sea change in our social media habits? Or is this just a momentary tiff?

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

Guest: Danny Fortson, US West Coast Correspondent, The Sunday Times.

Host: Manveen Rana.

Clips: CNN, MSNBC, NBC News, TalkTV.

Photo: Getty Images.

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.