James O'Brien Daily How can you convince the UK public that war with Russia is a possibility?
Feb 16, 2026
Discussion of gaps in online safety law, especially missing protections for AI chatbots and addictive platform features. Debate over an under-16 social media ban and how fast-changing tech complicates regulation. Exploration of a joint UK-Germany push for rearmament and strategies to persuade the public that conflict with Russia could become real.
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AI Chatbots Are Missing From Current Law
- The Online Safety Act omits AI chatbots despite rising harms and legal cases tied to them.
- James O'Brien argues legislation must be fluid to keep pace with fast-moving tech threats.
Addictive Design, Not Just Content, Is The Issue
- The core problem may be platform design that intentionally maximizes addiction, not just harmful content.
- James suggests focusing on addictive features like infinite scroll rather than hours alone.
Stranger-In-The-Room Comparison
- A caller likened giving kids full internet access to letting strangers into their bedroom with the door closed.
- James counters that this evokes fear but the majority of harm stems from addictive use, not just predation.
