IHIP News Why These Tech Billionaires Are Spying On Kids & What They Intend To Do Next
Feb 28, 2026
Taylor Lorenz, investigative tech journalist covering online culture and surveillance, breaks down how powerful tech figures and firms push identity systems and age checks. She traces links between surveillance firms, policy moves, and privacy risks. Short, sharp takes on who profits, how anonymity is eroded, and why proposed ‘child safety’ measures could backfire.
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Peter Thiel's Surveillance Web Extends Beyond Palantir
- Peter Thiel is building an AI-powered digital dragnet beyond Palantir's obvious surveillance role.
- Taylor Lorenz says Thiel funds identity companies like Persona that expand surveillance across social and gaming platforms.
Age Verification Ends Anonymity And Enables Government Unmasking
- Age verification removes online anonymity because platforms must link real identities to ages.
- Lorenz warns this powers government unmasking efforts and makes activists and journalists vulnerable to surveillance.
Host's Experience With Persistent Threats Shapes Privacy Concerns
- Jennifer Welch recounts receiving frequent death and sexual violence threats, leading her to close DMs and untag family.
- She uses this experience to question whether anonymity should be removed to stop repeat harassers.