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.
technology (general)
computing and information technology
internet
mass media
media
news media
online
science and technology
social issues (general)
technology (general)
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.
Australians warned: Meta to stop muzzling false claims
Australians are likely to see more false content and abuse on their Facebook, Instagram and Threads feeds when Meta ditches fact-checking problematic posts.
Meta shelves US fact checking in major policy reversal
Meta is ending its fact-checking program with third parties in the United States, saying fact checkers have their own biases.
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.
Tiny Tassie town dreams big with SimCity plans
Tasmania's Fingal is proposing a world-first "town twinning" partnership with the digital game SimCity, with hopes it can revitalise the 400-strong community.
business (general)
computing and information technology
economy (general)
laws
regulatory policy and organisation
research
research and development
science and technology
software
technology (general)
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.
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.
computing and information technology
consumer goods
consumers
internet
online
productivity
science and technology
software
technology (general)
wireless technology
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.
business (general)
computing and information technology
crime, law and justice
economy (general)
internet
online
science and technology
software
technology (general)
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.
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.
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.
auto trends
automotive equipment
computing and information technology
consumer issue - lifestyle and leisure
road transport
safety of citizens
science and technology
software
technology (general)
transport
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.
computing and information technology
inquiry
it/computer sciences
online
politics
politics (general)
regulatory policy and organisation
science and technology
software
technology (general)
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.
computing and information technology
government
government departments
online
politics (general)
science and technology
software
technology (general)
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.
business (general)
computing and information technology
economy (general)
inquiry
laws
politics
politics (general)
regulatory policy and organisation
science and technology
software
technology (general)
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.
computing and information technology
employee
employer
employment
it/computer sciences
regulatory policy and organisation
research
software
survey
technology (general)
work relations
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.
book
computing and information technology
international law
it/computer sciences
language
laws
media
patent, copyright and trademark
regulatory policy and organisation
science and technology
social issues (general)
software
standards
technology (general)
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.
Disinformation and deepfakes played a part in the US election. Australia should expect the same
As America takes stock after Donald Trump’s re-election to the presidency, it’s worth highlighting the AI-generated fake photos, videos and audio shared during the campaign. If left unchallenged, political deep fake videos could have profound impacts on Australian elections.
Plug in, get paid: EV drivers to tap into batteries
Electric vehicle drivers could plug their cars into the electricity grid and earn money next year following a partnership between two manufacturers.
consumer goods
consumer issue - macro economics
energy
energy (general)
energy and resource
energy resources
energy saving
environmental issue
pollution
renewable energy
technology (general)
Solar battery surge expected for plugged-in households
More Aussie households are expected to investigate solar batteries as a way to save on the cost of power rather than the cost to the environment, a bank says.
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.
Social media duty of care to users ‘a game changer’
Social media giants will need to take proactive steps to protect users and improve safety features under a digital duty of care introduced by the government.
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.
One-third of referred telco complaints unresolved
One in three complaints made by telco consumers to the sector's ombudsman remained unresolved at the end of the latest reporting period.
business (general)
computing and information technology
economic policy
employer
employment
professional - women general
regulatory policy and organisation
standards
technology (general)
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.
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.
Airport kiosk glitch fixed but cause remains a mystery
International airports are recovering from serious disruption including delayed flights due to a technical outage across Australia border force systems.
computing and information technology
crime, law and justice
election
fraud
internet
laws
national elections
online
political campaigns
political systems
science and technology
technology (general)
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.