Julie Barrett is joined by Ben Gillenwater — The Family IT Guy, a cybersecurity expert with 30+ years of experience building and securing large‑scale systems. Ben has become one of the most trusted voices helping parents understand what’s really happening behind the scenes of kids’ technology, apps, and devices.
In this interview, we dig into the truth behind today’s “child safety” laws — including the App Store Accountability Act, KOSA, and the growing wave of age‑verification mandates sweeping the country. These policies claim to protect kids, but Ben explains why they actually create massive data‑collection systems, expand surveillance, and give Big Tech and government unprecedented control over digital identity.
We cover:
Ben’s background in cybersecurity and why he started The Family IT Guy
How “kid‑safe” apps still expose children to harmful content
Why age verification = identity verification = surveillance
The hidden risks inside the App Store Accountability Act
How KOSA incentivizes platforms to over‑collect data and over‑restrict speech
Why these laws don’t stop kids from accessing harmful content
What parents can do TODAY to protect their kids without relying on Big Tech or government
Practical device setups, routines, and digital literacy strategies that actually work
If you’re a parent, policymaker, or anyone concerned about privacy, digital rights, or child safety, this conversation is essential.
Check out Ben's website and follow him on socials: https://www.familyitguy.com/
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