US shoots across PM’s bow on big tech ‘extortion’
The White House has bristled over the government's planned crackdown on social media algorithms as the prime minister's trip to the United States looms.
social issues (general)
‘Shape-shifting’: social algorithm opt-out not enough
Social media reforms must be watertight or teenagers risk seeing more sexual, radical content from algorithms, an advocate has warned.
No smart glasses ban as traders told to police use
The federal government has called for venues to make efforts to stop non-consensual recording with smart glasses, as privacy fears are raised about the devices.
Social media opt-out mulled to stem harmful content
How to limit misogynistic content in social media feeds and a potential ban on strangulation in pornography are being weighed up by the government.
US states, Meta agree to settle claims over child harms
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has agreed to a settlement in a US lawsuit concerning the use of its platforms by children, according to a court document.
Support cannot ‘disappear’ when homeless women housed
The number of homeless women and girls is on the rise, leading to calls for the federal government to show leadership as it develops two national strategies.
Meta rejects claims it sought to hook kids to platforms
Opening statements have been made in a pivotal trial for Meta where US states are seeking damages for social media harms to children.
Coalition, One Nation revive push on abortion crackdown
Conservative politicians have joined with a Christian lobby group on the lawns of Parliament House to request healthcare for babies born alive via abortions.
Labor confident of an NDIS deal despite reform backlash
The federal disability minister has defended changes to the NDIS, flagging further amendments to tackle fraud and win parliamentary support.
French top court blocks social media ban for under-15s
Legislation passed by French MPs to ban under-15s from accessing social media infringes upon freedom of expression, the country's top court says.
Activists faced ‘hellish fury’ over violent game ban
Gamers unleashed a torrent of online abuse against five female activists to silence them after they stopped the sale of rape, incest and torture games.
Toy story: Barbie and Ken’s big, plastic body makeovers
For decades, Barbie and Ken had bodies you'd never find in the real world, but Australian researchers say the plastic power couple are finally human‑ish.
Pressure mounts on Labor to strengthen gambling reforms
Labor is holding firm on gambling laws despite growing calls across the parliament for inducements and all advertisements to be outlawed.
Cut-price smart glasses trigger privacy investigation
Australia's privacy watchdog has been asked to examine issues with smart glasses as access to the technology grows and a cut-price version sells out in stores.
European Union ‘can give Morocco more border support’
The European Commission says the EU could enhance border management early-warning systems, and improve technical and financial support to Morocco.
Spain installs barrier in Ceuta following border rush
Calm has fallen on Ceuta's border and Spanish authorities are building a huge floating barrier after tens of thousands of migrants stampeded into the enclave.
Cockroach party ends demos after Indian minister quits
An Indian minister says the government has accepted all demands of the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party protest movement, sparking celebrations among students.
‘For us, by us’: Indigenous plea for truth-telling
An Indigenous man has marked the start of Reconciliation Week with the culmination of his 500km journey to reach the seat of government.
France bans Israeli minister after detainee taunts
France has banned Israel's far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, citing his unspeakable behaviour toward activists from a flotilla to Gaza.
Tech ‘perfect storm’ needs ambitious online safety plan
Online safety advocates say a global push from governments is required to ensure tech companies design their products with the safety of citizens in mind.
‘Manosphere’ rise requires new gender equality approach
Gender equality activists have gathered for a landmark conference aimed at charting a new way forward as anti-rights movements gain traction.
children
computing and information technology
internet
mass media
people - social issue
regulatory policy and organisation
report
safety of citizens
social issue
social issues (general)
survey
More young people like social media ban than oppose it
Months after more children were banned from social media, almost half of young people support the change even as they worry about missing out.
Solemn services and fish frenzies used to mark Easter
As punters marked Good Friday by rushing to the markets to secure fresh fish and seafood, some parishioners paid respect to the day's biblical origins.
Impossible to ignore: joy as largest trans flag unfurls
The world's largest trans flag has been unveiled in a moment of joy and pride, in a sign of resistance to policies that have impacted some young people.
Four minutes a day: Aussie adults fail to break a sweat
Australia may be a nation of walkers rather than runners, as a national study finds adults complete less strenuous exercise than many would expect.
How an empty nursing home became a housing solution
The hundreds of thousands of disused buildings across rural Australia could be transformed into worker accommodation as renewable energy projects roll out.
Snap decision: another social app issues age warnings
Snapchat is the latest social media app to issue warnings to young Australian users and will ask thousands of people to verify their age.
One million pushed to brink amid child poverty crisis
Advocates are renewing calls for Australia to adopt a nationally-agreed definition of child poverty, as concerning data shows almost one million are struggling.
The rural mum helping flip the school postcode lottery
Families in remote Australia have little choice but to send their kids to boarding school, a sometimes daunting path one advocate wants rural towns to embrace.
Dangers of adult dating sites for children revealed
Children using adult dating sites have admitted to sexting and dangerous sexual encounters, with warnings that more are signing up to explore risky behaviour.
economy, business and finance
pension and welfare
personal income
poverty
report
social issues (general)
‘Socially isolating’: one in seven living in poverty
Charities and social services are calling for urgent action after a study showed one in seven Australians are living in poverty.