‘Why would you put a toxic product into the hands of a young child?’: director turned activist Beeban Kidron on why big tech needs its ‘tobacco moment’

Beeban Kidron, a director and online safety campaigner, is calling for major technology companies to face a "tobacco moment" regarding child safety online. Kidron, who is also a crossbench peer, expressed her frustration with tech giants for their perceived inaction in preventing online abuse and harm to young people. She recounted witnessing a child's realization of sexual exploitation, describing it as the most distressing experience, highlighting the emotional trauma inflicted on young users. Kidron believes that the current approach by tech companies is akin to the early days of the tobacco industry, where the dangers of their products were downplayed or ignored. She advocates for stricter regulations and accountability for platforms that facilitate harmful content and interactions, emphasizing the need to protect children's well-being in an increasingly screen-dependent world. Her campaign aims to bring about significant changes in how technology companies operate and prioritize the safety of their youngest users.