They see me scrollin', they hatin'

The UK's proposed ban on under-16s using social media is facing a real-world test of feasibility — not just politically, but technologically. As the government pushes forward with the ban, a company called Yoti, led by CEO Robin Toombs, reveals that the tools to enforce it already exist. Their facial age estimation technology, used by Meta, TikTok, and OpenAI, can estimate a user's age within 5% accuracy without storing any biometric data, making it both effective and privacy-preserving. Yet, the real challenge isn't just technical — it's cultural. Charlie Blakemore of Intercity Technology argues that while age checks are a start, true safety requires a multi-layered approach: better platform design, parental education, and a shift in how children view digital spaces. The episode also reveals a surprising economic ripple effect: despite not hosting any World Cup games, Providence, Rhode Island, has seen a $10 million tourism boom as Scottish fans, frustrated by Boston’s high costs, chose the smaller, more walkable city as their unofficial headquarters. Meanwhile, petrol prices are expected to fall as oil prices drop following a potential Iran-US deal, though retailers like Rachel King warn the drop won’t be immediate due to supply chain delays and business margins. The episode paints a picture of modern economic and digital life — where policy, technology, and human behavior collide in real time.