John Buckley: The Human Element in Trust & Safety

After a pivotal university lecture digging into the history of child abuse in Ireland, John Buckley found his calling. His career path led him to tech giants Facebook and Google, driven by first-hand observations of how technology was playing a larger and larger role in children's lives.

In this episode, John Starr talks with John Buckley, director and head of child rights & safety with the Lego Group. Buckley shares his remarkable journey, from nonprofit work to leading child safety initiatives in tech.

Buckley gives us a rare insider perspective on trust and safety work inside the tech giants dominating the online landscape. Despite what many think, he emphasizes that the "humans in the loop" advocate passionately for user safety within tech companies. He discusses effective advocacy tactics, the evolution of trust and safety in 2025, and advises aspiring professionals to become a Swiss Army knife of skills while not entirely drinking the Kool-Aid.

The conversation explores generative AI's impact, the vital role of nonprofit partnerships, and why—despite technological challenges—the dedicated community of trust and safety professionals gives Buckley hope for the future.