{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/69de380bf02f2470e920aa82/69de382eae33864715efc312?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Deepfakes, AI Companions & Online Safety | Former DCI Explains","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/69de380bf02f2470e920aa82/14602c20309a7f0ca3eb1449254e7f57.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>The digital world our children are growing up in is evolving faster than most parents realise.</p><p>In this episode of <em>Hardwired: The Human Algorithm</em>, Lena sits down with Lucy Howard, former Detective Chief Inspector with the Metropolitan Police and founder of Lucy Howard Online Wellbeing.</p><p>With decades of experience investigating online harm and protecting vulnerable people, Lucy explains what parents often miss when it comes to AI companions, deepfakes, and the psychology behind digital engagement.</p><p><strong>We discuss:</strong></p><ul><li>AI chatbots marketed to children as young as 8 and 9</li><li>Apps that simulate empathy and never reject</li><li>Snapchat My AI and hidden features parents may overlook</li><li>Character.AI and how it draws children back into conversations</li><li>Deepfake risks and emerging exploitation concerns</li><li>Privacy and wearable tech issues</li><li>Why AI literacy is essential</li><li>How to build digital resilience at home</li></ul><p>This is not about fear. It's about awareness, emotional resilience, and informed parenting in the age of AI.</p><p>Because while technology accelerates, human connection is still what protects our children.</p><p>If you're a parent, educator, or leader trying to understand AI and online safety — this conversation is essential.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>","author_name":"Lena Chauhan"}