Marketplace Morning Report – December 12, 2025

Episode Title: Reddit Fights Australia's Social Media Ban
Host: William Lee Adams (Marketplace/BBC World Service)

Overview

This episode centers around Reddit’s legal battle against Australia’s new law banning social media for users under 16. Alongside this major development, the show covers a range of notable business and world news: U.S. sanctions on Venezuelan oil, economic trends in the UK and Asia, a controversy over Machu Picchu tourism funds, and a French video game sweeping the Game Awards.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reddit’s Legal Challenge to Australia’s Social Media Ban

[00:46 – 01:49]

• Reddit has filed a lawsuit challenging Australia’s social media ban for under-16s, which took effect just two days prior.

• The law currently covers 10 platforms and has already prompted legal action not just by Reddit, but also by teenagers directly affected.

• The Australian government anticipated lawsuits and asserts it's acting in parents’ interests.

• Central Debate: Who holds primary responsibility for protecting children online – platforms, government, or parents?

  Quote:

  • “The government... said repeatedly that it’s not going to be threatened by these legal challenges. It will fight in the courts that it’s on the side of the parents, not the platforms.”
    — Katie Watson, [01:24]

2. U.S. Sanctions on Venezuela and New Actions at Sea

[01:49 – 02:30]

• The U.S. imposed sanctions on ships transporting Venezuelan oil and individuals with ties to President Maduro.
• These sanctions follow the recent seizure of a tanker and U.S. confirmation that it will claim the oil aboard.
• A sharp escalation: President Trump signals possible land strikes against alleged traffickers, while attacks on boats have resulted in dozens of deaths off Venezuela’s coast.

3. Business & Economic Updates

• UK Economy Contracts

  • The UK’s GDP shrank by 0.1% in October, partly due to ongoing disruptions from a Jaguar Land Rover cyberattack.
    [02:30 – 02:42]

• Sumitomo’s Investment in India

  • Japanese firm Sumitomo will invest $1.3 billion in renewable energy in India, betting on industrial demand.
    [02:42 – 02:50]

• Crypto Scandal: Do Kwon Sentenced

  • South Korea’s Do Kwon, ex-CEO of Terraform Labs, receives 15 years in U.S. prison after a $40 billion crypto collapse.
    [02:50 – 03:01]

4. FIFA World Cup Ticket Price Backlash

[03:01 – 03:22]

• Supporter groups call FIFA's ticket prices for the next World Cup “a monumental betrayal.”
• Football Supporters Europe is “astonished” by the “extortionate” costs faced by fans.

5. Machu Picchu: Local vs. National Benefits from Tourism

[03:39 – 06:13]

• Despite drawing 1.5 million annual tourists, proceeds from ticket sales to Machu Picchu largely flow to Peru’s Ministry of Culture, not the local community.

• Mayor Elvis La Torre stresses that only 10% stays locally, funding basic services, while 90% is directed to the Ministry.

  Quote:

  • “Around 95% of our economy comes from tourism.”
    — Elvis La Torre, [03:58]

  • “90% of all ticket sales go to the Ministry of Culture. 10% stay here in the district and are spent on security, health, education, and keeping things clean.”
    — Elvis La Torre, [04:12]

• Calls grow for a greater share to support local infrastructure and tourist services.

• Carlos Gonzalez, head of the regional tourism chamber, laments that just 7% ($5 million/year) is used for site preservation; the rest covers government payroll.

  Quote:

  • “Only 7% of that money... goes to the preservation of the site. And the rest... goes to the Ministry of Culture, and it is used primarily for paying payrolls.”
    — Carlos Gonzalez, [05:12]

• Political instability and frequent leadership changes in Peru make reform difficult, but local leaders vow to continue pressing for change.

6. Game Awards: French Indie Game Triumphs

[06:24 – 07:04]

• “Clair Expedition 33,” by France’s Sandvall Interactive, won nine Game Awards in Los Angeles, including Game of the Year.

• The game, made by a small team, has built a dedicated worldwide fan base, receiving praise even from the French president.

  Quote:

  • “People really reacted strongly to all the passion we put into this game. ...We poured everything of us into this game. And I think that people felt that.”
    — Guillaume Broche (CEO, Sandvall Interactive), [06:47]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The government... will fight in the courts that it’s on the side of the parents, not the platforms.” — Katie Watson, [01:24]

• “Around 95% of our economy comes from tourism.” — Elvis La Torre, Mayor of Machu Picchu, [03:58]

• “Only 7% of that money... goes to the preservation of the site.” — Carlos Gonzalez, [05:12]

• “People really reacted strongly to all the passion we put into this game... We poured everything of us into this game.” — Guillaume Broche, [06:47]

Timestamps of Key Segments

• [00:46] — Reddit’s lawsuit against Australia’s social media ban
• [01:09] — Previous teenager legal challenge & government response
• [01:49] — U.S. sanctions and military action in Venezuela
• [02:30] — UK economic figures, Japan’s investment in India, Do Kwon sentencing
• [03:01] — FIFA ticket price outcry
• [03:39] — Machu Picchu tourism and local vs. national financial tension
• [06:24] — French video game wins at Game Awards
• [06:47] — CEO on the emotional impact behind their game’s success

Summary

This fast-paced episode provides a snapshot of global news, highlighting how legal, economic, and cultural developments intersect worldwide. The lead story questions the right balance between protecting the young and preserving digital rights, while subsequent segments capture controversies over resource allocation, sanctions, global markets, fans’ rights, and creative triumphs.

The reporting maintains a curious and engaged tone, inviting listeners to weigh complex issues—whether about online freedoms, tourism’s local impact, or the spirit driving creative industries.