Meta faces legal battle over alleged teen addiction to social media

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, finds itself entangled in a lawsuit filed by 41 US states alleging the platform deliberately lured teenagers into addiction. The crux of the lawsuit centres around the claim that Meta has knowingly and wilfully designed its platforms to exploit the vulnerability of teenagers, making them more susceptible to addiction. …

PayPal’s AI patent refused in Australia

In a recent development, Australia’s stance on computer-implemented business methods has been reinforced by the rejection of PayPal’s artificial intelligence (AI) patent. The decision of PayPal, Inc. [2023] APO 54 (27 October 2023) sheds light on the challenges faced by companies seeking to patent AI innovations with business applications in the Australian jurisdiction. The crux …

Australia unveils Cyber Security Strategy 2023-2030 to safeguard the nation’s digital future

Australia has recently unveiled its much-anticipated Cyber Security Strategy for the years 2023-2030, prepared by the Department of Home Affairs. This comprehensive strategy represents a significant commitment to fortify the nation’s defences against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. The strategy is underscored by a collaborative ethos, emphasising the importance of partnerships between the government …

Artificial intelligence influence on the next Australian election

As Australia gears up for its next federal election in 2025, the role of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), is poised to take centre stage in shaping the political landscape. AI’s influence on elections is not a novel concept, but its applications are evolving rapidly. Commentators have warned that political parties are increasingly leveraging AI …

Uber faces hefty penalty for breach of Australian spam laws

Rideshare and food delivery giant Uber has found itself in hot water, as it has been slapped with a substantial penalty of $412,500 for violating Australian spam laws. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) took decisive action against the tech company, emphasising the significance of adhering to privacy regulations in Australia. The penalty comes …

Australia takes action to ensure safe and responsible AI development

In a significant move towards fostering safe and responsible artificial intelligence (AI) development, the Australian government, led by the Minister for Industry and Innovation, has announced concrete steps to regulate and guide the burgeoning AI industry. This initiative reflects a proactive stance to harness the benefits of AI while addressing concerns related to ethics, accountability, …

Victorian court system compromised by Russian hackers

Victoria’s court system has been targeted by a ransomware attack raising alarming concerns about the vulnerability of sensitive cases. The incident has not only exposed the potential risks associated with the increasing reliance on digital platforms within the justice system but has also ignited a broader conversation about the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures. …

TikTok faces backlash over privacy concerns by tracking users

TikTok, the wildly popular short-form Chinese video platform, is under intense scrutiny following revelations of a mass breach of privacy. Recent reports shed light on the company’s extensive tracking of users’ online activities, fuelling concerns about data security and privacy infringement. The uproar stems from TikTok’s alleged tracking practices, where the app monitors users’ behaviour …

Google found to breach competition law with illegal monopoly over app store

In a ground-breaking competition ruling, a jury in the United States has declared Google guilty of anti-competitive behaviour, marking a significant moment in the ongoing scrutiny of big tech monopolies. The verdict, which stems from allegations from Epic Games of Google stifling competition within the app distribution market, sends shockwaves through an industry already under …

Governance Institute of Australia report recommends organisations improve their data governance practices

The Governance Institute of Australia (GIA) released its annual report and found that many Australian organisations lack the appropriate understanding of data governance and best practices. The GIA conducted a survey of 345 individuals of varying levels of staff. Amongst those surveyed, 50% said their organisation did not have a data governance framework and approximately …