Friendly robots, AI litter boxes: the new tech frontier
Wild, weird and unexpected gadgets have been shown in Las Vegas as part of an annual tech fest, with AI powering some household devices for the first time.
computing and information technology
X Corp welcomes Meta’s thumbs-down for fact-checking
Rival social network X has applauded Meta's decision to follow its lead on ditching fact-checking, with its CEO calling the move an endorsement.
CES 2025: tech firms promise AI robots, cars, fridges
Robots, self-driving cars and AI-powered work colleagues may not be far away, according to predictions aired at the Consumer Electronics Show.
Chatbot therapy: can generative AI treat loneliness?
Researchers are creating artificially intelligent companions to help people get through challenges but that does not necessarily cut humans out of the picture.
All ahead AI: fresh risk, different rules, new features
Generative AI tools have already changed the way Australians work, communicate and study. Experts say more changes are coming in 2025.
Apple launches its big AI push but is it too late?
Features launching on Apple devices will write a story, draw an image and summarise articles but the AI push helped by ChatGPT arrives after those of rivals.
AI used to target election fraud and criminal deepfakes
Government agencies are teaming up with Microsoft to track disinformation and criminal acts, with plans to use AI to detect attempts to interfere in elections.
Wanted: one million Aussies, Kiwis to learn AI skills
Microsoft wants to train at least one million Australians and New Zealanders in how to use AI tools over the next two years as part of a worldwide push.
An AI cop could help keep tech in check, inquiry hears
The government should appoint an artificial intelligence commissioner to oversee the technology, an inquiry has heard, amid concerns over unfair uses.
Smartphones still driving professionals to distraction
Calls, messages and apps are even getting the best of paid drivers, a study has found, amid a call to introduce surveillance and safety alerts behind the wheel.
Voters urged to be vigilant about AI disinformation
Experts say artificial intelligence-enabled political disinformation is a growing risk for Australian voters but vigilance is still the best defence.
It’s a love story: how Taylor Swift bested Donald Trump
The personalities, topics and major news events that dominated Australian internet searches in 2024 have been revealed by Google.
Rush to pass social media ban angers experts, MPs
As parliament prepares to stop people younger than 16 using social media, the government has been accused of trying to ram through the laws without scrutiny.
‘Knee-jerk reaction’ social media ban set to pass
A proposal to ban children from social media is expected to become law despite experts and politicians arguing it may not make the internet safer for kids.
Workers are using AI but worry it makes them look lazy
More Australian white collar workers are using artificial intelligence tools to do their jobs but research shows many feel guilty about telling the boss.
Australia needs an AI law to stop copyright ‘pirates’
Artificial intelligence tools, including chatbots from Google, Amazon and OpenAI, need to be regulated by law in Australia, an inquiry recommends.
Hold the phone calls: digital services may save time
Australians could spend less time on the phone and the government could save money with a greater investment in digital services, a report says.
Why your words and photos might already be training AI
More tech companies are introducing AI features to their services, and authors and experts warn it can be hard – if not impossible – to opt out.
Why Aussie school students are being given an AI grade
An artificial intelligence tool developed in Australia is being tested in classrooms and early results suggest it is helping students improve their answers.
Govt agencies urged to consider the cost of AI failures
The cost of repaying those harmed by AI decisions should be considered before government departments deploy the technology, an inquiry has heard.
Women written into code: standards target tech workers
Australian technology firms will be urged to test their practices against 10 standards as part of a campaign to encourage more diversity in the field.
Major Australian university launches ‘AI first’ policy
University students will be encouraged to use artificial intelligence programs to complete assignments and research projects under a bold policy change.
Get off the internet: more dates, chats to go offline
It is not just governments considering social media bans: a study shows more Australians plan to disconnect and spend less time online.
Baby Shark won’t bite: YouTube entertainers issue plea
Prominent Australian children's entertainers are urging the federal government to pardon YouTube from its proposed social media ban to save an industry.
Youth advocates poke holes in teen social media curbs
A lack of detail about proposed social media curbs is causing teens anxiety, young online safety and mental health representatives have told an inquiry.
What the US election tells us about deepfake politics
Australian MPs are weighing how to curtail deepfake election advertisements, but a prominent artificial intelligence expert says a ban might be unnecessary.
Women still face barriers to entering the tech industry
Australia's digital industry is crying out for female workers but research shows they are still finding it tough to get in the door.
Future AI chatbots may secretly dob on their users
Subtle changes in the words used by generative AI tools could act as a virtual watermark for the text they produce to tip off readers, research has found.
Adults only: online codes to limit porn, gaming access
Australian internet users will have their age tested before they can access some gaming and pornographic websites under wide-ranging online safety proposals.
Deepfake images harming Aussie kids and businesses
Australia is being warned to bring in urgent laws and education to tackle AI-generated deepfake images that put companies and children at risk.
Want to quit work an hour earlier? Deploy a robot or AI
Research shows more Australian workers are willing to ask for help from AI and robots at work, and experts say the trend could elevate human jobs.