Our Mission
Many young people today are aware that emerging technologies have a huge impact on their lives, yet feel powerless to change them.
We are often told that the tech we live with, such as AI, is “inevitable” and “cannot be understood or regulated.” At Youth Tech Net, we challenge that narrative.
At Youth Tech Net, we firmly believe in the sociotechnical nature of technology.
We believe young people have the right, and capability, to be involved in the design and regulation of the tech that directly affects us.
We ask to be actively included in the sociotechnical systems we live in, not subjected to them.
Hubs
Youth Tech Net is a network of university Hubs.
Hubs operate as societies or clubs within universities. They engage students in education and discussion on technology and society issues. Through these hubs, we foster informed, critical engagement with the societal impacts of emerging technologies.
Education & Events
Hubs host seminars, lectures, and events that engage students in critical discussions about technology and society. We create spaces for informed dialogue about the societal impacts of emerging technologies.
Policy Engagement
We give youth a voice in Australian policy issues by running tech policy engagement programs and publishing policy recommendations that reflect our lived experience.
Community Building
Hubs operate as societies or clubs within universities, bringing together students who care about how technologies are designed and regulated. Join a community of like-minded peers.
Join a community near you
Join NowJoin or Start a Hub
Are you passionate about technology policy, AI ethics, or the social impacts of emerging technologies? Join an existing university hub or start your own!
Tell us about yourself and join the movement!
Meet Our Team
Meet the passionate individuals driving YouthTechNet’s mission to empower young people in shaping our sociotechnical future.
Veve Fry
Co-Founder
Veve Fry is a final-year undergraduate honours student in the Australian National University PhB (Humanities & Social Sciences) program. She holds a major in human rights. Veve’s research focuses on AI risk regulation, particularly the EU AI Act, and the nexus between risk-based approaches and human rights norms and law. Veve is currently undertaking honours in international relations, set to graduate in 2026.
Harrison Oates
Co-Founder
Harrison Oates is a final-year Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research & Development) (Honours) / Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy & Economics student at the Australian National University, specialising in Artificial Intelligence. He is a Council Member of Linux Australia and Vice Chair of the Youth Coalition of the ACT, and has contributed to national youth technology policy processes, including as a member of the inaugural eSafety Youth Council. His work spans technical research in AI and planning, alongside youth technology policy.
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