Technology
Social media ban study to track thousands of families
4 March
The internet watchdog will track thousands of Australian families to assess the impact of the world-first social media ban on teenagers. The evaluation, led by the eSafety Commission’s research team, aims to understand how the law which kicked in...[Read More]
Got a phone? Prepare for an unsolicited message
4 March
Mobile phones around the country will blast out a 10-second siren in late July as part of a national test of Australia’s new emergency warning system. The $132-million-dollar AusAlert system will come online in October, the federal government...[Read More]
Breaking the social media addiction cycle as adults
25 February
Like children, many adults are also struggling with the urge to endlessly scroll and feel like they can’t escape the pull of Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and other platforms. Some experts are comparing social media addiction to casinos, opioids and...[Read More]
Warning of ‘supercharged harm’ from unregulated AI
25 February
Australia must urgently ramp up its spending on AI and research and development to avoid a generation of young people being “sacrificed for the profits of big tech”. In an address to the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday, UNSW...[Read More]
AI chatbots no substitute for human friends
25 February
Artificial intelligence companions might alleviate loneliness in aged care, but they can’t offer the vital physical touch or address social isolation, experts warn. Research from Monash University argues new AI ‘digital companions’, marketed...[Read More]
Instagram chief rejects idea of social media addiction
18 February
The head of Meta’s Instagram has testified during a landmark social media trial in Los Angeles that he disagrees with the idea that people can be clinically addicted to social media platforms. The question of addiction is a key pillar of the case,...[Read More]
Aussies ditch copper for fibre to boost download speeds
18 February
More than one million households and businesses have swapped old copper for new fibre connections since NBN Co announced plans to ditch the technology, with many of the upgrades in regional areas. The change, along with the release of updated plans,...[Read More]
Australian social media ban both a success and failure
11 February
When Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez revealed plans to ban children younger than 16 from social media, he did so based on a precedent set in Australia. His announcement at the World Governments Summit came two months after an Australian law...[Read More]
Not a real doctor: AI struggles to treat human patients
11 February
Just because artificially intelligent chatbots can pass medical exams does not mean they should operate as doctors, a study warns, as they can provide deadly medical advice. In one case, two men who asked an AI tool about a brain bleed received...[Read More]
What does it mean to be a cyber secure business?
5 February
In today’s world, being “cyber secure” isn’t about wearing a hoodie in a dark room typing code at lightning speed. It’s about running a business that understands digital risk, takes sensible precautions, and knows how to respond when...[Read More]
Top 10 legal issues facing Australian business owners in 2026
5 February
Running a business in 2026 presents numerous legal challenges as regulations evolve alongside technological advancements and global economic shifts. For business owners, navigating these complexities requires understanding key legal issues and...[Read More]
Incorporating smart home technology: comfort, control, and lower waste
5 February
Smart home tech isn’t just a flashy add-on anymore — it’s becoming a practical way to make a property more comfortable, secure, and efficient. The best part is you don’t have to “smartify” everything at once. You can start with one pain...[Read More]
It’s not just you: fake videos look more real than ever
4 February
Internet users dubbed it the dope pope: viral images of 86-year-old Pope Francis wearing an oversized puffer jacket you might expect on a rap artist. But details around the pontiff’s fingers, which seemed to merge with a coffee cup, tipped many...[Read More]
What’s for dinner? Aussies cook up fresh uses for AI
28 January
Australians are using artificial intelligence tools to impress their boss and cut hours from their working week but the technology is also creeping into the kitchen and renovation plans. Preparing special meals for friends and family has emerged as...[Read More]
The chatbot will see you now: why AI is tackling health
28 January
Before seeing a doctor about a rash, sleeping issue or chronic heart condition, have you considered asking a chatbot for advice? It is the suggestion of leading artificial intelligence company OpenAI, which has flagged plans to launch a dedicated...[Read More]