Tag Archives: australian

How Australian Teens Are Finding Ways to Navigate Social Media Bans

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Australia will restrict social media use for individuals under 16 starting December 10th.

Mick Tsikas/Australian Associated Press/Alamy

A historic initiative to prohibit all children under 16 from accessing social media is about to unfold in Australia, but teens are already pushing back.

Initially announced last November, this prohibition, proposed by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, will commence on December 10th. On this date, all underaged users of platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat will have their accounts removed.

Companies operating social media platforms may incur fines up to A$49.5 million (£25 million) if they do not comply by expelling underage users. Nonetheless, neither parents nor children face penalties.

This regulation is garnering global attention. The European Commission is considering a similar rule. So far, discussions have centered on implementation methods, potential age verification technologies, and the possible adverse effects on teens who depend on social media to engage with their peers.

As the deadline approaches, teens preparations are underway to defy these restrictions. A significant illustration is of two 15-year-old boys from New South Wales, Noah Jones and Macy Neyland, who are challenging the social media ban in the nation’s highest court.

“The truth is, kids have been devising ways to bypass this ban for months, but the media is only catching on now that the countdown has begun,” Jones remarked.

“I know kids who stash their family’s old devices in lockers at school. They transferred the account to a parent or older sibling years ago and verified it using an adult ID without their parents knowing. We understand algorithms, so we follow groups with older demographics like gardening or walking for those over 50. We engage in professional discussions to avoid detection.”

Jones and Neyland first sought an injunction to postpone the ban but opted instead to present their opposition as a specific constitutional challenge.

On December 4, they secured a crucial victory as the High Court of Australia agreed to hear their case as early as February. Their primary argument contends that the ban imposes an undue burden on their implied freedom of political speech. They argue this policy would compromise “significant zones of expression and engagement in social media interactions for 13- to 15-year-olds.”

Supported by the Digital Freedom Project, led by New South Wales politician John Ruddick, the duo is rallying for their cause. “I’ve got an 11-year-old and a 13-year-old, and they’ve been mentioning for months that it’s a hot topic on the playground. They’re all active on social media, reaping its benefits,” Ruddick shared.

Ruddick noted that children are already brainstorming methods to circumvent the ban, exploring options like virtual private networks (VPNs), new social media platforms, and tactics to outsmart age verification processes.

Katherine Page Jeffrey, a researcher at the University of Sydney, mentioned that the impending ban is starting to feel tangible for teenagers. “Up until now, it seems young people hadn’t quite believed that this was actually happening,” she commented.

She adds that her children have already begun discussing alternatives with peers. Her younger daughter has downloaded another social media app called Yope, which is not listed on the government’s watch list yet, unlike several others like Coverstar and Lemon8 that have been warned to self-regulate.

Lisa Given, a researcher at RMIT University in Melbourne, believes that as children drift to newer, less known social media platforms, parents will struggle to monitor their children’s online activities. She speculated that many parents may even assist their children in passing age verification hurdles.

Susan McLean, a foremost cybersecurity expert in Australia, argued that this situation will lead to a “whack-a-mole” scenario as new apps emerge, kids flock to them, and the government continually adds them to the banned list. She insists that rather than taking social media away from teenagers, governments should compel large companies to rectify algorithms that expose children to inappropriate content.

“The government’s logic is deeply flawed,” she pointed out. “You can’t prohibit a pathway to safety unless you ban all communications platforms for kids.”

McLean shared a poignant quote from a teenager who remarked, “If the aim of this ban is to protect children from harmful adults, why should I have to leave while those harmful adults remain?”

Noah Jones, one of the teen complainants, stated it bluntly: “There’s no greater news source than what you can find in just 10 minutes on Instagram,” he insisted. “Yet, we faced bans while perpetrators went unpunished.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The Ancient Giant Mackerel Shark: 115 Million Years Ago in Australian Waters

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The western order encompasses sharks commonly referred to as mackerel sharks. This group includes some of the most recognized shark species, such as great whites and shortfin mako sharks, along with lesser-known varieties like goblin sharks and megamouth sharks. The recent discovery of a 115-million-year-old giant shark in northern Australia indicates that oligarchs experimented with massive sizes around 15 million years earlier than previously believed, reigning at the top of the marine food chain alongside giant marine reptiles during the era of the dinosaurs.

In the ocean off the coast of Australia 115 million years ago, a gigantic 8m long predatory shark chases an unwary long-necked plesiosaur. Image credit: Polyanna von Knorring, Swedish Museum of Natural History.

Sharks are iconic predators in contemporary oceans, and their lineage dates back over 400 million years.

Nonetheless, the evolutionary journey of modern sharks initiated during the age of the dinosaurs, with the oldest known fossils appearing around 135 million years ago.

These early modern sharks, referred to as olipids, were relatively small, measuring roughly 1 meter in length, but evolved over time into colossal species like the renowned megalodon, which may have exceeded 17 meters, and the great white, known as the modern apex predator of the seas, measuring up to 6 meters.

Sharks possess cartilaginous skeletons, and their fossil record primarily consists of teeth, which are continuously shed as they eat.

This results in shark teeth being commonly found in sedimentary rocks on the ocean floor, alongside the remains of other species, such as fish and large marine reptiles, which dominated marine ecosystems during the time of the dinosaurs.

The rugged coastline around Darwin in northern Australia was once the mudbed of the ancient Tethyan sea, which extended from the southern reaches of Gondwana (now Australia) to the northern island archipelago of Laurasia (now Europe).

Fossils of sea creatures like plesiosaurs, ichthyosaurs, and large bony fish have been uncovered.

Most notably, several giant vertebrae were found, indicating the presence of an unexpected predator: the giant sheep shark.

The five recovered vertebrae were partially calcified, allowing for their preservation, and they closely resemble those of modern great white sharks.

However, while the vertebrae of an adult great white shark measure about 8 cm in diameter, the fossilized sheep shark vertebrae from Darwin exceeded 12 cm in diameter.

These vertebrae also exhibited unique morphological traits, enabling their classification within the Cardabiodontidae family, giant predatory sharks that have existed in the oceans for approximately 100 million years.

Significantly, the rhamniforms in Darwin were around 15 million years old and had already achieved the substantial body size characteristic of cardabiodontids.

“Our findings demonstrate that large body size is an ancient trait, with Australian storkids measuring between 6 to 8 meters long and weighing over 3 tonnes,” stated lead author Dr. Mohammad Bazzi from Stanford University and colleagues.

“This is comparable to some of the largest marine reptiles of their time and indicates that oligarchs entered the apex predator niche early in their adaptive evolution.”

“These sharks were substantial in size and inhabited shallow coastal waters,” added co-author Dr. Michael Syverson, a researcher at the Western Australian Museum.

“This provides significant insights into the workings of ancient food webs and underscores the value of Australia’s fossil remains in comprehending prehistoric life.”

“This discovery not only reshapes the evolutionary narrative of sharks but also enhances Australia’s global significance in paleontological studies.”

“With each fossil discovery, we refine our understanding of ancient oceans and the remarkable creatures that once ruled them.”

For more details on this discovery, refer to the new paper published in Communication Biology.

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M.Bazzi et al. 2025. Early giant amnioids mark the beginning of giant body sizes in the evolution of modern sharks. Commun. Biol. August 1499. doi: 10.1038/s42003-025-08930-y

Source: www.sci.news

Female Australian Bee of a New Species Possesses Large Horns

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A newly identified honey bee species is part of the genus Apis. Megachile is associated with endangered flowering plant species, such as Marianthus aquilonalis.

New Megachile bee. Image credit: Kit Prendergast & Joshua Campbell, doi: 10.3897/jhr.98.166350.

Australia is undergoing a pollination crisis, compounded by limited understanding of plant pollinators and taxonomic challenges.

Many endangered plants lack known visitors, threatening efforts to safeguard their populations.

The native bee population in Australia is also at risk due to insufficient monitoring, with numerous regions unexplored and many native species still undescribed.

A new Megachile honey bee species was identified during the survey of Marianthus aquilonarius, which is exclusive to the Bremer Ranges in Western Australia.

Dr. Kit Prendergast, a researcher from the University of Southern Queensland and Curtin University, stated: “We found this species while assessing rare plants in Goldfields and observed that the bees were visiting both endangered wildflowers and adjacent Malayan trees.”

“DNA barcoding confirmed that the male and female belonged to the same species and did not match any known bees in the DNA database, nor did the specimens I collected morphologically correspond to any in museum collections.”

“This is the first new member of this bee group reported in over 20 years, highlighting how much life remains to be discovered, especially in areas threatened by mining like the Goldfields.”

Finding new species of Megachile emphasizes the necessity of understanding Australia’s unique bee habitats before they are irrevocably altered.

“Since the new species was found in proximity to the endangered wildflower, both are likely to be affected by threats such as habitat disturbance and climate change,” Dr. Prendergast said.

“Many mining companies still neglect to survey native honey bees, risking overlooking undiscovered species, including those that are endangered and essential for ecological health.”

“If we remain unaware of the native bees we have and the plants they rely on, we jeopardize both before we even realize they exist.”

This discovery is discussed in the following article: paper published this week in the Hymenoptera Research Journal.

Source: www.sci.news

Significant Find: Potential Space Debris Unearthed in the Australian Desert

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A significant piece of what seems to be space debris has been found in a secluded area of the Australian desert, as confirmed by the nation’s space agency on Monday.

The burnt, smoldering object was located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, according to the Australian Space Agency. While its exact nature and origin remain unclear, officials suspect it is likely a decommissioned rocket component.

The Australian Space Agency stated, “The debris is probably a propellant tank or pressure vessel from a launch vehicle.” This was mentioned in a post on X.

Details regarding the size or weight of the object were not disclosed, but the agency is collaborating with local authorities and other space organizations to investigate and ascertain “the precise nature of the debris and its origin.”

NBC News reached out for additional information, but the agency did not respond immediately.

Workers from a nearby mine stumbled upon the object on Saturday along a remote access road. As reported by Sky News, local officials do not believe the debris poses any risk to public safety. NBC News has yet to verify these details independently. (Sky News is a division of Comcast, the parent organization of NBC News.)

Various government space agencies and private companies frequently incinerate malfunctioning rocket parts or satellites in the atmosphere as a method of disposal. However, some debris can withstand the intense conditions of reentry. Despite this, it’s relatively uncommon for space debris to land on land, and even rarer for it to fall in populated regions, given that much of Earth is ocean.

Recently, however, experts have voiced concerns regarding the escalating issue of space debris, particularly with the increase in orbital launches.

Last summer, a 90-pound piece of space debris was found on a hiking trail in North Carolina and was later identified as part of the service module of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule, which returned four astronauts to Earth from the International Space Station earlier that year.

In March 2024, a 1.6-pound metal fragment crashed through a home in Naples, Florida. Follow-up investigations determined that the debris originated from a cargo pallet that was released from the International Space Station to burn up in the atmosphere.

There are tens of thousands of pieces of space junk, along with millions of smaller fragments, cluttering Earth’s low orbit, the critical area where many telecommunications and GPS satellites operate. These objects can travel at speeds of up to 18,000 miles per hour, jeopardizing spacecraft functionality and endangering astronauts aboard the International Space Station.

Due to these concerns, experts have long cautioned against the overcrowding of space. NASA and other space agencies are investing in research and technology demonstrations aimed at cleaning up substantial amounts of debris in orbit.

The Australian Space Agency reiterated its commitment in a statement to the long-term sustainability of space activities, which includes debris mitigation, and continues to advocate for this issue on the international stage.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

From Mixtapes to Pro Junk Footy: Unveiling the Most Exciting Australian Indie Games at SXSW Sydney 2025

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The undeniable truth is that SXSW Sydney, now in its third year, continues to be a hub for technology, music, and film in Austin, Australia, surrounded by brands. On Saturday, families attending a complimentary children’s concert navigated through the vibrant yellow CommBank Tour Zone, while queues formed at the enormous L’Oréal tent. Yet, just a short distance away in the gaming hall of the International Convention Center, the brand’s presence was noticeably subdued.

As the global gaming sector grapples with an ongoing recession, major studios remain cautiously distant from Australia due to the high cost of living. Even amidst a conference buzzing with brand synergy, indie developers took the spotlight. Large development teams were scarce; the majority of projects showcased were from solo creators or small partnerships. Reflective of the broader Australian gaming landscape, these indie developers were impressively ambitious.




A still from Mixtape, the new game developed by Melbourne’s Beethoven and Dinosaur and published by Annapurna Interactive. Photo: Beethoven and Dinosaurs/Annapurna Interactive

Australia’s two standout titles in the showcase, though still feeling somewhat subdued, gained significant attention. SXSW’s Game of the Year, Mixtape, from veteran developers Beethoven and Dinosaur (who brought us the delightful psychedelic adventure The Artful Escape in 2021) and the mid-sized American publisher Annapurna Interactive, tells a humorous ’90s coming-of-age story blending Edgar Wright-type comedy with the animation style of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

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Set to release later this year, the game promises a nostalgic journey through the joy of youth. Imagine Devo downhill skating on a lazy afternoon with cassette tapes playing in the background. Think of headbanging to Silverchair on a road trip or sneaking booze into parties while evading cops with erratic shopping carts. My 20-minute demo left me beaming, with at least one standout joke causing a fit of laughter.

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In contrast, the concept behind Pro Jank Footy emerges. Co-creators David Ashby and Tyler Roach, known from the series Danger 5, have cautiously ventured into gaming with support from film distributor Umbrella. This game offers a whimsical, arcade-style take on AFL reminiscent of SNES-era sports titles. After each goal, the losing team selects one of three comical power-ups (like attacking seagulls, oversized players, or resetting the score to zero) before the game resumes. During a live demonstration at Tumbalone Park, hosted by Aunty Donna’s Broden Kelly, who also features in the game, a small audience of families gathered, while a few brave souls took to the stage, risking embarrassment for the chance to win a scarf and seemed to enjoy themselves.

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Aunty Donna’s Broden Kelly engaging with the audience during Pro Jank Footy’s live stage demo at SXSW Sydney. Photo: Samuel Graves/SXSW Sydney

Highlights emerged even from games featuring less ambitious concepts. One standout was the dynamic shooter Hyper Primate, where you embody a monkey, armed with various makeshift wooden guns, battling other animals in pursuit of a colossal floating banana. While the game has an intentionally rough aesthetic, the movement mechanics felt incredibly refined as you zoomed through jungle arenas.

Another impressive title was a solo project called Huedini, an exhilarating top-down game where you swiftly match colors to evade and consume enemies and obstacles. Even a brief gameplay session revealed that its seemingly simple mechanics could evolve into mind-bending complexity.

The Victorian Government’s strong backing for indie developers continues to yield benefits, with several projects funded by VicScreen, including Huedini. Other notable selections from this group included Way to the Woods, a stunning adventure game where you guide a deer and fawn endowed with light powers through a verdant city, and a captivating puzzle game, Letters to Arralla, where you decipher photo-based addresses in a serene island community populated entirely by root vegetables. South Australia also showcased a robust lineup, including Pro Junk Footy and a satisfying minimalist cube-rolling puzzle game, Toya, which felt like a serene reprieve amidst a bustling exhibition floor.

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A still from Way to the Woods by Melbourne developer Onepixel.dog. Photo: Onepixel.dog

Even international participations largely embraced the grassroots ethos of the showcase. While most games, except for Sony’s Ghost of Yourei, weren’t playable, the discussions garnered good attendance. Exceptional projects from small teams included A Week in the Life of a Non-Social Giraffe, a point-and-click puzzle game centered on social anxiety from the U.S., Abyss X Zero, a 3D action game akin to Zelda from Brazil, and Crescent County, a pastel-themed broom racing simulator from a UK developer.


A recurrent critique of SXSW Sydney has been its pricing, with the least expensive one-week access pass costing over $100. This year, however, the final day’s exhibition entry was free, resulting in a vibrant crowd of families and children. Highlights included party games like Cow Chess, a project by a Sydney-based duo that bore no resemblance to cows or chess and felt like a fusion of Terry Gilliam’s Worms and Super Smash Bros., and Chained Beasts, a co-op Roman gladiator game where all players are interconnected by chains.

In truth, the plethora of indie games presented made it impossible to experience them all in a single day. While SXSW Sydney might be marked by corporate branding efforts, the indie spirit undeniably thrives, particularly in the realm of video games.

Source: www.theguardian.com

OpenAI Diverges from Technology Council of Australia Amidst Controversial Copyright Debate

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Open AI has severed its relationship with the Technology Council of Australia due to copyright limitations, asserting that its AI models “will be utilized in Australia regardless.”

Chris Lehane, the chief international affairs officer of the company behind ChatGPT, delivered a keynote address at SXSW Sydney on Friday. He discussed the geopolitics surrounding AI, the technological future in Australia, and the ongoing global discourse about employing copyrighted materials for training extensive language models.

Scott Farquhar, CEO of the Tech Council and co-founder of Atlassian, previously remarked that Australia’s copyright laws are “extremely detrimental to companies investing in Australia.”

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In August, it was disclosed that the Productivity Commission was evaluating whether tech companies should receive exemptions from copyright regulations that hinder the mining of text and data for training AI models.

However, when asked about the risk of Australia losing investment in AI development and data centers if it doesn’t relax its fair use copyright laws, Mr. Lehane responded to the audience:

“No…we’re going to Australia regardless.”

Lehane stated that countries typically adopt one of two stances regarding copyright restrictions and AI. One stance aligns with a US-style fair use copyright model, promoting the development of “frontier” (advanced, large-scale) AI; the other maintains traditional copyright positions and restricts the scope of AI.


“We plan to collaborate with both types of countries. We aim to partner with those wanting to develop substantial frontier models and robust ecosystems or those with a more limited AI range,” he expressed. “We are committed to working with them in any context.”

When questioned about Sora 2 (Open AI’s latest video generation model) being launched and monetized before addressing copyright usage, he stated that the technology benefits “everyone.”

“This is the essence of technological evolution: innovations emerge, and society adapts,” he commented. “We are a nonprofit organization, dedicated to creating AI that serves everyone, much like how people accessed libraries for knowledge generations ago.”

AI opened on Friday stopped the ability to produce a video featuring the likeness of Martin Luther King Jr. after his family’s complaints about the technology.

Lehane also mentioned that the competition between China and the United States in shaping the future of global AI is “very real” and that their values are fundamentally different.

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“We don’t see this as a battle, but rather a competition, with significant stakes involved,” he stated, adding that the U.S.-led frontier model “will be founded on democratic values,” while China’s frontier model is likely to be rooted in authoritarian principles.

“Ultimately, one of the two will emerge as the player that supports the global community,” he added.

When asked if he had confidence in the U.S. maintaining its democratic status, he responded: “As mentioned by others, democracy can be a convoluted process, but the United States has historically shown the ability to navigate this effectively.”

He also stated that the U.S. and its allies, including Australia, need to generate gigawatts of energy weekly to establish the infrastructure necessary for sustaining a “democratic lead” in AI, while Australia has the opportunity to create its own frontier AI.

He emphasized that “Australia holds a very unique position” with a vast AI user base, around 30,000 developers, abundant talent, a quickly expanding renewable energy sector, fiber optic connectivity with Asia, and its status as a Five Eyes nation.




Source: www.theguardian.com

Home Care Chatbots in Australian Health Systems: AI Tools Revolutionizing Patient Support

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Petalol looked forward to Aida’s call each morning at 10 AM.

While daily check-in calls from the AI Voice bot weren’t part of the expected service package when she enrolled in St. Vincent’s home care, the 79-year-old agreed to participate in the trial four months ago to assist with the initiative. However, realistically, her expectations were modest.

Yet, when the call comes in, she remarks: “I was taken aback by how responsive she is. It’s impressive for a robot.”

“She always asks, ‘How are you today?’ allowing you to express if you’re feeling unwell.”

“She then follows up with, ‘Did you get a chance to go outside today?’

Aida also inquires about what tasks she has planned for the day, stating, “I’ll manage it well.”

“If I say I’m going shopping, will she clarify if it’s for groceries or something else? I found that fascinating.”

Bots that alleviate administrative pressure

Currently, the trial, which is nearing the end of its initial phase, exemplifies how advancements in artificial intelligence are impacting healthcare.

The Digital Health Company collaborated with St. Vincent’s health to trial its generative AI technology aimed at enhancing social interaction, enabling home care clients to follow up with staff regarding any health concerns.

Dean Jones, the national director at St. Vincent’s, emphasizes that this service is not intended to replace face-to-face interactions.

“Clients still have weekly in-person meetings, but during these sessions… [AI] the system facilitates daily check-ins and highlights potential issues to the team or the client’s family,” Jones explains.

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Dr. Tina Campbell, Health Managing Director, states no negative incidents have been reported from the St. Vincent trial.

The company employs open AI “with clearly defined guardrails and prompts” to ensure conversations remain safe and can promptly address serious health concerns, according to Campbell. For instance, if a client experiences chest pain, the care team is alerted, and the call is terminated, allowing the individual to call emergency services.

Campbell believes that AI is pivotal in addressing significant workforce challenges within the healthcare sector.

“With this technology, we can lessen the burden on workforce management, allowing qualified health professionals to focus on their duties,” she states.

AI isn’t as novel as you think

Professor Enrico Coyera, founder of the Australian Alliance for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare, notes that older AI systems have been integral to healthcare in “back-office services,” including medical imaging and pathology report interpretations.

Coyera, who directs the Center for Health Information at Macquarie University, explains:

“In departments like Imaging and Radiology, machines already perform these tasks.”

Over the past decade, a newer AI method called “deep learning” has been employed to analyze medical images and enhance diagnoses, Coyera adds.

In November, New South Wales became the first in Australia to implement mechanical measurement technology in population-based screening programs to aid radiologists with the interpretation of mammographic images.

These tools remain specialized and require expert interpretation, and ultimately, responsibility for medical decisions rests with practitioners, Coyera stresses.

The role of AI in early disease identification

The Murdoch Children’s Institute in Melbourne, in partnership with researchers at UCL London, has developed an AI method to identify brain abnormalities in epilepsy, specifically local cortical dysplasia in MRI scans.

These lesions can cause seizures that are resistant to medication, making surgery the only treatment option. However, successful surgery depends on the ability to identify the abnormal tissue.

In a study published this week in Epilepsia, a team led by neurologist Emma McDonald Rouse demonstrated that “AI epilepsy detectors” can identify lesions in up to 94% of MRI and PET scans, even detecting a subtype of lesions that are often missed by over 60%.

This AI was trained using scans from 54 patients and was tested on 17 children and 12 adults. Of the 17 children, 12 underwent surgery, and 11 are currently seizure-free.

This tool employs a neural network classifier, similar to breast cancer screening, to highlight abnormalities that experts still need to review, emphasizing a much faster path to diagnosis.

She underlines that researchers remain in the “early stages” of development, and further study is necessary to advance the technology for clinical use.

Professor Mark Cook, a neurologist not associated with the research, states that MRI scans yield vast amounts of high-resolution data that are challenging for humans to analyze. Thus, locating these lesions is akin to “finding needles in a haystack.”

“This exemplifies how AI can assist clinicians by providing quicker and more precise diagnoses, potentially enhancing surgical access and outcomes for children with otherwise severe epilepsy,” Cook affirms.

Prospects for disease detection

Dr. Stefan Buttigieg, vice-president of the Digital Health and Artificial Intelligence section at the European Association of Public Health, notes that deep neural networks are integral to monitoring and forecasting disease outbreaks.

At the Australian Public Health Conference in Wollongong last month, Buttigieg referenced the early detection of the Covid-19 outbreak by Blue Dot, a firm established by infectious disease specialists.

Generative AI represents a subset of deep learning, allowing technology to create new content based on its training data. Applications in healthcare include programs like Healthyly’s AI Voice Bot and AI Scribes for doctors.

Dr. Michael Wright, president of the Royal Australian GPS College, mentions that GPs are embracing AI Scribes, which transform consultations into notes for patient records.

Wright highlights that the primary benefit of scribes is to enhance the quality of interactions between physicians and patients.

Dr. Daniel McMullen, president of the Australian Medical Association, concurs, stating that scribes assist doctors in optimizing their time and that AI could help prevent redundant testing for patients. The promised digitization of health records remains a challenge.

Buttigieg argues that one of AI’s greatest potential is in delivering increasingly personalized healthcare.

“For years, healthcare has relied on generic tools and solutions. Now, we are moving towards a future with more sophisticated solutions, where AI fulfills the same roles,” Buttigieg concludes.

Researchers can utilize AI to analyze MRI data to aid in identifying brain lesions. Photo: Karly Earl/Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com

Man Fined $340,000 for Creating Deepfake Porn of a Prominent Australian Woman in Landmark Case

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The individual who shared deepfake pornographic images of a well-known Australian figure has been heavily fined in the initial legal case for sending a “strong message.”

On Friday, a federal court mandated that Anthony Rotondo, also known as Antonio, pay a penalty of $343,500 along with legal costs after the online regulator, Esafiti Commissioner, filed a lawsuit against him nearly two years ago.

Rotondo was responsible for posting the images on a website named Mrdeepfakes.com.

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Regulators maintained that substantial civil penalties were essential to underscore the severity of violations against online safety laws and the harm inflicted upon women who are victims of image-based abuse.

“This action sends a strong message regarding the repercussions for individuals who engage in image-based abuse through deepfakes,” the watchdog stated late Friday.

“Esafety is profoundly concerned about the creation and distribution of non-consensual explicit deepfake images, as these can lead to significant psychological and emotional distress.”

Commissioner Julie Inman Grant filed a case against Rotondo in federal court in 2023 due to his non-compliance with a deletion notice, which was ineffective as he is not an Australian resident.

“If you believe you’re in the right, I’ll secure an arrest warrant,” he said.

Following the court’s order for Rotondo to remove the images and refrain from sharing them, he sent them via email to 50 addresses, including the Esafety Commissioner and various media outlets.

Commissioners initiated federal court proceedings shortly after police ascertained that Rotondo had traveled from the Philippines to the Gold Coast.

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He eventually acknowledged his actions as trivial.

The images were removed after Rotondo voluntarily provided passwords and necessary details to the Commissioner’s officers.




Source: www.theguardian.com

Lawyers Disciplined for Using AI-Generated False Quotes in Australian Trial | Legal News

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A Victorian lawyer has made history as the first in Australia to garner professional sanctions for utilizing artificial intelligence in court, losing his right to practice as a leading attorney after generating unverified citations from AI.

According to a report by Guardian Australia, during a hearing last October on July 19, 2024, an unnamed lawyer representing her husband in a marital dispute provided the court with a list of prior cases that Judge Amanda Humphreys had requested regarding the enforcement of applications in this case.

Upon returning to her chamber, Humphreys stated in her ruling that neither she nor her colleagues could find any cases listed. When the issue was revisited in court, the lawyer disclosed that the list had been generated using AI-based legal software.

He confessed to not verifying the accuracy of the information before submitting it to the court.

The attorney extended an “unconditional apology” to the court, requesting not to be referred for investigation, saying he would “integrate lessons that he has taken to heart.”

He acknowledged his lack of understanding of how the software operated and recognized the necessity to verify the accuracy of AI-assisted research. He agreed to cover the costs incurred by the opposing lawyer due to the canceled hearing.

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Humphreys accepted the apology, admitting that the stress it caused was unlikely to be repeated. However, given the prevalence of AI tools in the legal field, she noted that referrals for investigation were crucial due to the role of the Victorian Legal Services Commission in examining professional conduct.

The lawyer was subsequently referred to the Victorian Legal Services Commission for investigation, marking one of the first reported cases in Australia involving a lawyer using AI in court to produce fabricated citations.

The Victoria Legal Services Board confirmed on Tuesday that the lawyer’s practice certificate was altered on August 19 due to the findings of the investigation. This action means he no longer has the right to practice as a primary attorney, cannot handle trust funds, and is restricted to working solely as an employee’s lawyer.

The lawyer is required to undergo two years of supervised legal practice, with quarterly reports to the board from both him and his supervisor during this period.

A spokesman remarked, “The board’s regulatory actions on this matter reflect our commitment to ensuring that legal professionals using AI in their practices do so responsibly and in alignment with their obligations.”

Since this incident, over 20 additional cases have been reported in Australian courts where litigants or self-represented individuals used artificial intelligence to prepare court documents, leading to the inclusion of false citations.

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The lawyer in Western Australia is also under scrutiny by its state regulatory body regarding practice standards.

In Australia, there was at least one instance where a document was claimed to have been prepared using ChatGPT solely for the court, even though the document was generated before ChatGPT became publicly accessible.

The courts and legal associations acknowledge the role of AI in legal proceedings but continue to caution that this does not diminish lawyers’ professional judgment.

Juliana Warner of Australia’s Legal Council told Guardian Australia last month, “If lawyers are using these tools, it must be done with utmost care, always keeping in mind their professional and ethical obligations to the court and their clients.”

Warner further noted that while the court’s relation to cases involving AI-generated false citations raises “serious concerns,” a blanket ban on the use of generative AI in legal proceedings “is neither practical nor proportional and risks hindering access to both innovation and justice.”




Source: www.theguardian.com

Australian Filmmaker Alex Ploya: “The Film Industry is Broken and Needs Reconstruction—AI Can Assist”

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As capitalist forces largely steer advancements in artificial intelligence, Alex Proyas perceives the integration of AI in filmmaking as a pathway to artistic freedom.

While numerous individuals in the film industry view the rise of AI as a threat to their jobs, incomes, and likenesses, Australian filmmakers, including Proyas, embrace the technology as a means to simplify and reduce costs associated with projects.

“The model for filmmakers, the only person I truly care about at the end of the day, is broken… and it’s not AI that’s causing it,” Proyas states to the Guardian.

“It’s the industry, it’s streaming.”


He mentions that the filmmakers he once depended on are dwindling in the streaming era, with the remaining ones working on tighter budgets for projects.

“We need to reconstruct it from the ground up. We believe that AI will assist us in doing that because as it continually lowers production costs, we can retain more ownership of our projects,” he remarks.

Proyas’s upcoming film, Rur, narrates the tale of a woman attempting to liberate her robots from capitalist oppression within an island factory. Based on a satirical play from 1920, the film features Samantha Orle, Lindsay Faris, and Anthony Laparia, having begun filming in October of the previous year.

The Heresy Foundation, one of Proyas’s ventures, was established in 2020 in Alexandria, Sydney. I detailed that at the time as a comprehensive production house for films. He claims that Rur can be produced for a fraction of the US$100 million budget typical of traditional studios.

This cost-effectiveness is due to the capability of carrying out much of the work directly in the studio via virtual production in collaboration with Technology Giant Dell, which supplies workstations to facilitate real-time generation of AI assets during film creation.

Proyas’ 2004 film I, Robot, was created when AI was more firmly entrenched in the sci-fi genre. Photo: 20th Century Fox/Sports Photo/All Star

Proyas asserts that production durations for environmental designs can be shortened from six months to eight weeks.

His 2004 film, I, Robot, was produced during a time when AI was reasonably established in science fiction, yet depicted a world in 2035. When questioned about his concerns regarding AI’s implications in film production, especially in visual effects, Proyas responds, “The workforce is streamlined,” yet believes retraining is possible.

“I believe there’s a role for everyone who embraces technology and pushes it forward, just as we’ve done throughout the film industry,” he comments.

The Guardian interviewed Proyas during the same week when the Australian Productivity Committee was discharged from the creative sector to spark discussions on whether AI companies should have unrestricted access to everyone’s creative works for model training.

Proyas argues that in the “analog world,” there is no need for AI to plagiarize.


“I think of AI as ‘enhancing intelligence’ rather than artificial intelligence. It aids in streamlining processes, promoting efficiency, and enhancing productivity,” he explains.

“A human team will always be necessary. We view AI as one of our collaborative partners.”

Amidst a plethora of AI-generated content online, Proyas reveals that he has spent years honing his skills to achieve the desired outcomes from AI, striving to refine its output until he is content with it.

“My role as a director, creator, and visual artist hasn’t changed at all. I’m now collaborating with a smaller team of humans, with AI as my co-collaborator to realize my vision. And I am clear about what that vision is,” he states.

“I don’t just sit at my computer asking for ‘Funny cat videos, please.’ I am very precise.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Australian Live Streaming Platform Kick Faces Regulatory Scrutiny After Broadcasting Man’s Death | Technology

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The tragic demise of a man in France, which was live-streamed on the online platform Kick, has prompted a police investigation. Authorities are urging regulators to examine the events of the broadcast and the implications of live streaming on the internet. What is Kick, what transpired, and what are the next steps?

What Happened?

Rafael Graven, 46, from southern France, was known online as Jean Pawmanbe.

This week, he tragically passed away during an extended live stream on the platform. Reports suggest that, prior to his death, he was subjected to physical assaults and humiliation by his associates. A disturbing excerpt from the stream viewed by the Guardian indicates that Graven was struck, humiliated, strangled, and shot with a paintball gun.

His channel has since been removed, and the involved parties are banned pending the investigation by Kick.

One of the collaborators informed local media that Graven had pre-existing cardiovascular issues and claimed, “the scene was just staged and followed a script.”

An autopsy has been ordered, and a police investigation is underway regarding Graven’s death.

What is Kick?

Kick is a live streaming platform akin to Twitch, where users often watch gaming sessions and various live activities.

Founded in Melbourne in 2022 by billionaires Ed Craven and Bijan Tehrani, Craven previously established Stake.com, the world’s largest cryptocurrency casino. Kick expanded its user base by attracting Twitch streamers who supported Stake before Twitch’s ban on gambling advertisements.

Kick claims that content creators retain 95% of their streaming revenue.

The platform is known for a more lenient approach to content moderation compared to Twitch, although it does have community guidelines prohibiting “content that depicts or incites heinous violence, including serious harm, suffering, and death.”

Additionally, Kick asserts that it will not allow content featuring severe self-harm.

Earlier this year, the company announced new rules permitting gambling streams only from verified sites to protect minors from such content.

Why Wasn’t the Channel Banned?

A spokesperson for Kick did not provide an explanation as to why the Jean Pawmanbe channel remained active before Graven’s death.

“We are urgently reviewing the situation, engaging with relevant stakeholders, and investigating the matter,” the spokesperson stated. “Kick’s Community Guidelines are established to protect creators, and we are committed to maintaining these standards across the platform.”

What Did Kick Say About the Death?

The company expressed its support for the ongoing investigation and shared its grief over Graven’s passing.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Jean Pawmanbe and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and community.”

Will Kick Face Any Repercussions?

In France, Clara Chappaz, Deputy Minister of AI and Digital Technology, characterized the incident as “absolutely horrifying,” announcing an ongoing judicial investigation. The matter has been escalated to the French portal for reporting internet content concerns, as well as the digital regulator ARCOM.

Being an Australian company, Kick could also face local scrutiny.

A spokesperson for the Esafety Commissioner referred to the case as “tragic,” emphasizing that it highlights the potentially devastating real-world consequences of extreme content creation.

The spokesperson remarked, “Platforms like Kick must do more to enforce their terms and conditions to minimize harmful content and behavior during streams, ensuring protection for all users.”

Given Kick’s chat features, there may be implications for the Australian government’s planned social media age restrictions for users under 16, starting in December.

Furthermore, new industry codes and standards now require Kick and similar platforms to have systems to shield Australians from inappropriate content, including depictions of crime and violence without justification.

“This encompasses mandates to uphold terms and conditions that prohibit such material and to address user reports swiftly and appropriately,” the spokesperson added. “ESAFETY may seek penalties of up to $49.5 million for compliance violations if warranted.”

Additional codes are under consideration to specifically target children’s exposure to violent content.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Early Homo and Australian Ropithecus Lived Together in Ethiopia 2.5 Million Years Ago

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Recently discovered human fossils from the Ledi-Geraru Research Project in a remote region of Ethiopia indicate an early presence of Homo around 2.78 million years ago and a previously unidentified species, Australian, dating back 2.63 million years.

Forensic facial reconstruction of Australopithecus afarensis. Image credit: Cicero Moraes/CC by-sa 3.0.

The timeline from approximately 3 to 2 million years ago represents crucial phases in human evolution.

This encompasses the genus Homo and Paran Solo Pass, which first appeared in fossil records alongside the ancestors of Australopithecus afarensis, a species that eventually vanished.

“We typically viewed human evolution as a linear trajectory from ape-like ancestors to modern humans. However, Homo sapiens researcher Brian Villmoare from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, states that our understanding must adapt.”

“Humans have diversified into various niches multiple times throughout our history.”

“Our evolutionary tree reflects patterns not unique to us. Similar events occurred across different life forms.”

“This is something we should observe more frequently in the record of human fossils.”

“Nature has explored numerous paths toward humanity, particularly as climates became drier in East Africa, leading to the extinction of more ape-like species.”

Dr. Villmoare and his co-authors uncovered 13 human teeth at the Ledi-Geraru site in Ethiopia.

They determined that while some fossils belong to the genus Homo, others include upper and lower teeth sets from an unnamed species, Australian.

This new species differs from Australopithecus afarensis, which was first identified nearby at Khadar around 2.95 million years ago.

“The coexistence of both species in the same area suggests that human evolution resembles a branching tree rather than a linear progression,” said Dr. Villmoare.

The Ledi-Geraru site is also where paleontologists discovered the earliest jaw of Homo in 2013, dating back 2.8 million years.

“Recent findings of Homo teeth from sediments aged between 2 and 2.8 million years confirm the timeline of our lineage,” stated Dr. Villmoare.

“We know what the earliest teeth and jaws of Homo look like, but our findings extend beyond that.”

“This underscores the critical need for additional fossil discoveries to differentiate between Australian and Homo, and to explore potential overlaps in their fossil records.”

“There has been considerable geological activity in this region,” noted Dr. Christopher Campizzano, a geologist at Arizona State University.

“Numerous volcanic eruptions released ashes containing feldspar crystals, allowing scientists to date them.”

“We can date the eruptions that occurred in the landscape where these fossils were found.”

“These fossils are situated between volcanic deposits, facilitating age determination.”

“We are dating the volcanic ash from eruptions that coincided with the deposition of these fossils.”

“As this new research highlights, this was a pivotal era for human evolution,” said Professor Ramon Arrowsmith from Arizona State University.

“Geology provides critical insights into the age and characteristics of sedimentary layers, including those containing fossils.”

“Whenever an exciting new discovery occurs, paleontologists recognize that further information is essential,” commented Dr. Kay Reid, a paleontologist at Arizona State University.

“We need more fossils, which emphasizes the importance of training individuals to explore and identify new fossil sites.”

“The more fossils we uncover, the better we can understand our distant ancestors and the unique journey of survival that led to our existence.”

The findings are documented in a publication released today in the journal Nature.

____

B. Billmoare et al. New discoveries of Australian and Homo from Ledi-Geraru, Ethiopia. Nature, published online August 13, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09390-4

Source: www.sci.news

Arts and Media Groups Call for AI Training to Combat “Ramp Theft” of Australian Content

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Arts, creative, and media organizations are urging the government to prohibit large tech companies from using Australian content and developing artificial intelligence models. There is growing concern that such a decision may “betray” Australian workers and facilitate the “widespread theft” of intellectual property.

The Albanese government has stated that it has no intention of altering copyright laws, but emphasizes that any changes must consider their effects on artists and news media. Opposition leader Sassan Ray has called for compensation for any use of copyrighted material.

“It is unacceptable for Big Tech to exploit the work of Australian artists, musicians, creators, and journalists without just compensation,” Ray asserted on Wednesday.


The Productivity Committee’s interim report titled “Utilizing Data and Digital Technology” proposes regulations for technologies, including AI in Australia, projecting a productivity increase of 0.5% to 13% over the next decade, thereby potentially adding $116 billion to the nation’s GDP.

The report highlighted that building AI models demands a substantial amount of data, prompting concerns from many players, including Creative Australia and copyright agencies, about the misuse of copyrighted content for AI training.

The committee outlined potential solutions, advocating for an expansion of licensing agreements, exemptions for “text and data mining,” and enhancements to existing fair trading regulations that are already in place in other countries.

This latter suggestion faced significant opposition from arts, creative, and media organizations. They expressed discontent at the idea of allowing wealthy tech companies to utilize their work for AI training without appropriate compensation.

Such a shift could jeopardize existing licensing agreements formed between publishers and creators with major tech firms and complicate negotiations for news media seeking fair compensation from social media platforms for journalism online.

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The Australian Labour Union Council (ACTU) criticized the Productivity Committee’s proposal, claiming it exploits the interests of large multimillion-dollar corporations, warning that it may mislead efforts to assist Australian workers.

“The extensive discussion surrounding text and data mining exemptions risks normalizing the theft of creative works from Australian artists and Indigenous communities,” said ACTU.

Joseph Mitchell, ACTU Secretary, indicated that such exemptions would allow “high-tech corporations to reap the full benefits of advanced technology without giving back to the creators.”

APRA Chair Jenny Morris is among those who have voiced concerns over potential exemptions for “text and data mining” used in AI training. Photo: AAP

Australia’s music rights organizations, Apra Amcos and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Bureau, expressed disappointment regarding the committee’s recommendations, raising alarms about the implications for Australia’s $9 billion music sector.

APRA Chair Jenny Morris stressed that this recommendation highlights a recognition that these practices are already widespread.

Attorney General Michelle Roland, responsible for copyright legislation, stated that any advancements in AI must prioritize building trust and confidence.

“Any reforms to Australia’s copyright law must reflect the effects on the nation’s creative and news sectors. We remain dedicated to participating in dialogues around these issues, particularly with the copyright and AI reference groups initiated by the government last year,” she mentioned.

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When asked about the committee’s findings, Ray expressed concern regarding the absence of sufficient “guardrails” from the government to tackle AI-related issues.

“We need to safeguard content creators… their work rightfully belongs to them, and we must not take it without compensating them,” she added.

Ed Fushik, former Minister for Industry and Technology for Workers, defended the overall outlook for the economy on Wednesday. Treasurer Jim Chalmers later commented on ABC’s 7.30, saying, “The mechanism you deploy, whether one act or multiple existing acts… is not the crux of the issue.”

“I believe we can strike a balance between concerns that AI is harmful and those who pretend we can return to a previous state,” he indicated.

“There are no current plans to undermine or alter Australia’s copyright arrangements.”

Arts Minister Tony Burke highlighted a submission from Creative Australia regarding the review. He stated that, “It emphasizes the necessity for consent, transparency, and fair compensation concerning copyright and labeling.”

In a statement, Creative Australia asserted that the nation has the potential to lead globally in establishing “fair standards” for AI application.

“Artists and creatives whose work is utilized in training AI are entitled to proper compensation,” a spokesperson remarked.

“Innovation should not come at the cost of ethical business practices.”

The Australian Publishers Association (APA) has expressed worries about the possibility of works being utilized without authorization or compensation.

“While we support responsible innovation, this draft proposal favors infringers over investors,” stated Patrizia Di Biase-Dyson, CEO of APA.

“We oppose the idea that Australian narratives and educational materials integral to our culture and democracy should be treated as free resources for corporate AI systems.”

The copyright agency likewise spoke against the text and data mining exemption, emphasizing that it would adversely affect creators’ revenue.

“The movement towards revision of the Australian copyright system stems from large multinational corporations, and it does not serve the national interest,” remarked CEO Josephine Johnston. “To empower Australia’s high-quality content in the new AI era, it’s critical that creators receive fair compensation.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Australian Stingless Bee Honey Exhibits Unique Antibacterial Properties, Research Reveals

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Honey sourced from Australian stingless bees, often referred to as sugar bag honeybees, has long been a vital food source and a traditional remedy for ailments such as itching and pain among Indigenous Australian communities. A recent study has examined the antibacterial properties and chemical composition of honey from three species of Australian stingless bees: Tetragonula carbonaria, Tetragonula hockingsii, and Austroplebeia australis. The results revealed these honeys possess strong antibacterial capabilities against various human pathogens, exhibiting efficacy on par with or superior to that of most European honeys derived from Apis mellifera.

Tetragonula carbonaria comb. Image credit: Tobias Smith.

Antibiotic resistance poses a significant global health issue.

Numerous natural substances have developed complex defenses against microbial threats and may serve as potential therapeutic agents.

While the medicinal qualities of European honey have been extensively researched, the therapeutic potential of Australian stingless bee honey is still in its early stages.

Kenya Fernandez, a researcher from the University of Sydney, noted:

“Unlike honey from European honeybees, which predominantly depends on hydrogen peroxide for its antibacterial effects, the honey from Australian stingless bees demonstrates high levels of hydrogen peroxide along with non-peroxide activity, making it a robust and versatile candidate for therapy.”

The study found that the honey retained antibacterial properties even without hydrogen peroxide, indicating that these traits are inherent to the honey.

“Bee Manuka honey’s notable non-oxide antibacterial activity is a key factor behind its commercial success,” Dr. Fernandez added.

“However, it heavily relies on a specific nectar source from the Myrtle plant (Leptospermum).”

“In contrast, the consistent antibacterial effectiveness of heat-treated non-toxic honey from Australian bees—regardless of various locations and nectar sources—highlights the unique qualities of these bees.”

Professor Dee Carter at the University of Sydney remarked:

Researchers are hopeful that this reliability will enhance the potential for commercial health applications.

Nonetheless, challenges concerning scalability persist. Each stingless bee hive produces roughly 0.5 liters of honey annually, complicating large-scale production.

“Although the yields are modest, these hives require less upkeep than traditional bee hives, enabling beekeepers to manage a greater number of hives,” stated Dr. Ross Groag from the University of Sydney.

“Encouragingly, the commercial value of honey may foster the growth of more hives and pave the way for scalability in commerce.”

“In the past year, native stingless bee honey has made strides toward local and global commercialization, having received endorsements from Australian and New Zealand food safety authorities.”

“This regulatory backing is crucial in establishing a niche market for high-value, low-volume products.”

The survey results were published on May 21st in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology.

____

Kenya E. Fernandez et al. 2025. Potent antibacterial activity and unique physicochemical properties of honey from Australian stingless bees Tetragonula carbonaria, Tetragonula hockingsii, and Austroplebeia australis. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 91 (6); doi:10.1128/aem.02523-24

Source: www.sci.news

Australian Moths Navigate 1000 km Journeys Using the Stars as Their Compass

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Bogong moths seek refuge in cooler caves during the summer

Ajay Narendra/Macquarie University, Australia

Traveling distances exceeding 1,000 kilometers to escape the summer heat, Australia’s moths have been identified as the first invertebrates to utilize stars for navigation on long migrations.

Every spring, billions of bogong moths (Agrotis infusa) embark from various regions of southern Australia, surviving the winter as caterpillars by feeding on vegetation before retreating to the cool caves of Australia’s Alpine regions. Once in the caves, they enter a state of dormancy known as estivation until they return to breeding grounds.

The recent decline of these moth populations has led to inquiries about their navigation methods in reaching high-altitude caves, as noted by Andrea Aden from the Francis Crick Institute in London.

Previous studies have demonstrated their ability to use Earth’s electromagnetic fields but only in conjunction with visible landmarks. Aden and her team sought to explore other potential cues that moths might use for navigation.

“When you venture into the Australian bush at night, one of the most striking visual markers is the Milky Way,” she explains. “We know that diurnal migratory birds rely on the sun, so testing whether moths use the starry sky seemed like a logical step.”

To investigate, the team employed light traps to capture moths during migration and transported them to a laboratory. There, they were placed in a Perspex arena with images of a night sky projected overhead. Moths were free to choose their flight direction based on the sky images while the Earth’s magnetic field was neutralized using a Helmholtz coil.

Experiments revealed that moths did utilize a stellar compass, according to team member Eric Warrant from Lund University, Sweden. “When the tethered moths were placed under a realistic starry sky, they oriented themselves towards their migratory direction,” he states. “They achieved this solely with the assistance of these stars, independent of other visual cues and the magnetic field.”

Caption: Aestivating moths in alpine caves during summer (roughly 17,000 per square meter, with millions in each cave) Copyright: Eric Warrant

Eric Warrant

When the simulated starry sky was rotated 180 degrees, the moth flew in the opposite direction. Randomizing the star placements in the image left them disoriented.

In a subsequent experiment, very thin electrodes were implanted in the moth’s brain, revealing changes in neural activity as the projected starfield was rotated.

While dung beetles are known to maintain a consistent bearing using the Milky Way, no other insect species has previously demonstrated this level of celestial navigation.

“The bogong moth is the first invertebrate documented with the ability to navigate long distances using stars as a compass—a phenomenon previously recognized only in certain birds and humans,” Warrant states. “This capability is truly remarkable.”

Another insect recognized for its extensive migrations, the Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), primarily relies on the sun supplemented by the environment.

Cody Freas from Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, emphasized the incredible efficiency of insect navigation, stating, “Stellar navigation showcases the remarkable visual acuity found in nocturnal insects, enabling them to utilize various cues (Sun, Moon, Stars) even in low-light conditions,” adds Freas.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Australian Mom Considers “Cryogenic” Solution for Son After Heartbreaking Loss

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Growing Anti-Mask Sentiment in Adelaide and Other Australian Cities

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Elon Musk’s so-called “brand debacle” is currently unfolding in Adelaide, where residents have overwhelmingly rejected plans for a Tesla factory.

The city of Marion in South Australia is contemplating the sale of 2,664 square meters of public land. This site, which is contaminated and not accessible to the public, is being targeted by Tesla for a battery factory.

The council has engaged with the community and compiled a report detailing “geopolitical or symbolic critiques presented in submissions,” which highlight potential benefits like 100 full-time jobs, increased fee income, $56 million in economic output, and a “Tesla-led training initiative.”

Out of approximately 1,000 submissions to local councils, 95% requested the proposal be retracted, citing “anti-Tesla and anti-Elon Musk sentiments,” as well as concerns about the environmental impact and the loss of green spaces.

While environmental issues were a factor, the primary reason residents opposed the project was Musk himself.

Opponents of the proposal didn’t hold back on their reasons for rejection—indeed, the City of Marion opted to censor some of the submissions.

“Elon Musk is [redacted] Humans and a [redacted]!” one commenter stated.

“Elon Musk and Tesla are a [redacted] against humanity,” another wrote.

“Elon Musk has completely misjudged [redacted], viewing others through a dull lens. Additional submissions suggested that the site was inappropriate for Musk. [redacted] would be a sly choice.”

“We shouldn’t profit from our support of someone who [redacted] openly [redacted],” was another perspective on Tesla’s move to Marion.

Aesthetic concerns were also raised: “Dear God,” a resident complained. “This isn’t good for anyone… [and] it mainly disrupts my roller skating route.”

More than half of the 948 community submissions came from outside the council, but locals opposed the development by a ratio of 11 to 121.

Supporters appreciated the job creation, skill development, and the “novel approach” of one of the world’s wealthiest figures.

Musk continues to face backlash due to his involvement in the Trump administration, where he established the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), leading to severe cuts in government programs.

Tesla’s recent profit slump has led analysts to associate the branding crisis with Musk’s actions in the White House.

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Musk has refuted claims that branding is an issue, attributing the challenges to the “macro demand for vehicles” in the current economic landscape.

Mayor of Marion, Chris Hannah, indicated that most Australians are not likely to view the project through a political lens.

“However, there is indeed a core group with strong anti-fascist sentiments, directing their criticisms towards Elon Musk and his affiliations,” he remarked.

Hannah mentioned that a “natural” community reaction combined with a political campaign aims to boost the “no” votes.

“If this decision prevents the factory from moving forward, Tesla will simply relocate it elsewhere in Australia, which wouldn’t adversely affect Elon Musk’s interests,” he stated.

Many submissions referenced Musk’s interventions in U.S. and European politics, along with his controversial salute earlier this year.

According to a piece in The Guardian, a critic remarked: [sic] …This is likely to invite protests and negative attention that the neighborhood neither needs nor wants.

Tesla and South Australian government officials have emphasized the economic advantages for the region in their supportive letter, but a handful of residents contended that the land should be allocated for productive use.

Marion City staff have officially recommended that the council proceed with the land sale to Tesla, with a proposal set to be discussed at Tuesday’s council meeting.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Men Who Shared Deep Fake Images of Notable Australian Women Risk $450,000 Fine

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Regulators overseeing online safety are pursuing the maximum fine of $450,000 against a man for publishing deepfake images of a well-known Australian woman on his website, marking a significant case in an Australian court.

The Esafety Commissioner has initiated legal action against Anthony Rotondo for his failure to remove “intimate images” of high-profile Australian women from the Deepfake Pornography site.

The federal courts maintain the confidentiality of the women’s real names.


The court learned that Rotondo initially defied the order while residing in the Philippines, prompting the committee to pursue legal action upon his return to Australia.

Rotondo had posted an image on Mrdeepfakes’ site.

In December 2023, Rotondo was fined after admitting to breaching the court’s order by failing to remove the image. He subsequently provided the password to delete the Deepfake image.

A representative from the Esafety Commissioner indicated that regulators are aiming for a fine between $400,000 and $450,000 for the violations of online safety law.

The spokesperson emphasized that the proposed penalty reflects the seriousness of the “significant impact on the targeted women.”

“This penalty aims to deter others from partaking in such harmful actions,” they stated.

Esafety highlighted that the creation and distribution of nonconsensual explicit deepfake images result in severe psychological and emotional harm for the victims.

The penalty hearing occurred on Monday, and the court has reserved its decision.

Additionally, federal legislation was passed in 2024, strengthening the fight against explicit deepfakes.

Esafiti Commissioner Julie Inman Grant during the Senate estimates. Photo: Mick Tsikas/AAP

In her introductory remarks to the Senate committee considering the bill last July, Esafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant noted that DeepFakes have surged by 550% since 2019, with 99% of such pornographic content featuring images of women and girls.

“Abuse involving deepfake images is not only on the rise, but it is also highly gendered and incredibly distressing for the victims,” Inman Grant stated.

“To my surprise, the number of open-source AI applications like this is rapidly increasing online, often available for free and easy to use for anyone with a smartphone.

“Thus, these apps present a low barrier for perpetrators, while the repercussions for the targets are devastating and often immeasurable.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Flash Floods Devastate Crucial Habitats for Australian Wildlife

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Rangers safely transport Tasmanian devils during flooding at Aussie Ark Sanctuary

Aussie Ark

Conservation personnel are racing to safeguard a crucial population of Australian wildlife following unprecedented rainfall in New South Wales that resulted in the loss of four lives.

The Australian Ark Sanctuary in Barrington Tops, New South Wales spans 400 hectares, providing a secure environment for Tasmanian Devils (Sarcophilus harrisii), brush-tailed rock wallabies (Petrogale penicillata), Eastern quolls (Dasyurus viverrinus), long-nosed potoroos (Potorous tridactylus), and broad-toothed rats (Mastacomys fuscus). These animals are protected from natural predators like cats and foxes. The sanctuary acts as an insurance policy for these species in the event that wild populations face extinction.

Since 2010, around 500 Tasmanian devil joeys have been born at the facility, with approximately 50 being reintroduced into specially designated wild areas. Over the coming years, it is anticipated that more of these animals will be released back into their natural habitat to help restore the Tasmanian devil populations on the Australian mainland.

This week, a severe low-pressure weather system hit parts of New South Wales, resulting in a record storm. In a matter of days, the sanctuary received over 400 millimeters of rain. Despite its elevation of 1,200 meters on a mountain, the park experienced flash floods that compromised fencing meant to protect against wildlife and posed risks to the animals housed in small enclosures.

Tim Faulkner from Aussie Ark reported that many animals in breeding enclosures had to be relocated to emergency centers equipped with veterinary clinics. However, a major challenge remains as about one kilometer of the sanctuary’s 10-kilometer perimeter fence has been damaged, with some sections completely washed away by the floods.

“We have approximately one kilometer of fencing affected, with corner posts compromised and sections washed out, resulting in damaged strainer wires,” Faulkner explained. “The electric hot wire is completely down, so you can’t rely on it. Test your defenses.”

Flood-damaged fence at Aussie Ark Sanctuary

Aussie Ark

Despite the damaged fencing, Faulkner’s team is on constant watch to monitor the affected sections. To date, no native species are believed to have escaped, and no wildlife has been found within the sanctuary itself.

“There’s an influx of water, squeezing, pressure, and flooding through every tiny crack on the mountain. I dread to think about the wildlife impacted by these immense floods outside our sanctuary,” Faulkner expressed.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

11-Year-Old Australian Girl Abused by Stranger After Adding Him for Snapchat Points

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An 11-year-old girl from Australia began adding random users on Snapchat as part of an unofficial challenge with her close friend to boost their scores on the app. Unfortunately, one of these individuals exploited her.

The 23-year-old Jai Clapp was added on Snapchat by the girl, who was using the pseudonym “April,” through a quick addition feature.

Your SNAP score reflects user engagement, accumulating points through sending and receiving snaps, maintaining streaks (where users consistently exchange messages), and adding friends.

Snapchat’s Quick Addition feature recommends users based on shared interests, as determined by the platform’s algorithm.

After being added, Clapp misled the girl about his age, claiming to be 17 instead of 23, and the court found that he groomed her over a span of 12 days on Snapchat.

He subsequently sexually assaulted the victim during three meetings at a local park near her home.

Clapp was convicted of digital and penile penetration, with Judge Marcus Dempsey labeling his behavior as “abhorrent.”

He pled guilty and was sentenced in April to eight years and ten months in prison, with a non-parole period of four years and eight months, as he also abused another girl while incarcerated.

Details of the case emerged from the county courthouse for Victoria’s ruling, released recently.


A spokesperson for SNAP, the parent company of the app, commented, “The sexual exploitation of minors is alarming, illegal, and against our policies.”

“Snapchat is intended to facilitate communication among friends known in real life, and we aim to make it as challenging as possible for minors to connect with strangers,” the spokesperson added.

“Teens are recommended as friends or in searches only under specific circumstances, such as when they share numerous mutual friends. Last year we introduced a new friend protection measure.”

An independent Snapchat guide advises parents to disable the Quick Add feature to restrict who can add their children on the app.

This December, Snapchat could be one of the platforms under Australian government restrictions preventing users below the age of 16 from accessing it, although the minimum account age is 13.

Before the proposed ban takes effect in December, affected platforms, including Snapchat, faced lawsuits from the government regarding policy implementation. The company regularly highlights its safety measures for children to uphold its current standing.

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During a submission to a Congressional investigation last year, Snap affirmed that the app does not allow teenagers to appear as suggested friends or in search results for others unless they share mutual friends.

In a linguistic analysis conducted last year, Australia’s online safety regulator, the Esafety Commissioner, noted that internal tools were utilized to estimate users’ ages to block access for those under 13. The Commissioner found that, as of February Report, 19% of children aged 8 to 12 used Snapchat in 2024.

The report indicated that SNAP had not conducted a survey in the first half of last year to gauge the number of users younger than 13.

A spokesperson for the ESAFETY Commissioner stated that companies have an obligation to ensure their platforms are secure for all users.

“Features such as Find Friends [Quick Add] can have numerous benefits; however, we must also consider how these new functions may be misused,” the spokesperson remarked.

“Concerns have existed for some time regarding the functionalities of social media and messaging services enabling predators to reach children for grooming and contact.

“[These] features can facilitate predators in accessing various groups of children’s friends through the platform’s algorithm, particularly when age verification measures are ineffective.”

A report by the Prevention Association for Cruelty to Children indicated that among the 7,000 cases of sexual communications with minors recorded by UK police from 2023 to 2024, 48% occurred on Snapchat.

  • Support and information for individuals affected by rape and sexual abuse can be found through the following organizations: In Australia, visit 1800 Respect (1800 737 732). In the UK, there is support available at Rape Crisis. In the US, call 0808 500 2222 or visit RAINN at 800-656-4673. Additional international helplines can be accessed at ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html.

Source: www.theguardian.com

What Does the Australian Election Outcome Mean for Climate Policy in a Major Coal Economy?

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Few voters can impact climate change as significantly as Australians.

In terms of per capita greenhouse gas emissions, only the US and Canada closely approach Australia. The nation stands as one of the largest exporters of fossil fuels contributing to global warming, notably sending vast quantities of natural gas to Asian countries alongside some of the most polluting fossil fuels.

As the country prepares for national elections on Saturday, polls indicate that climate change is not a primary concern for many voters. However, the leading candidates from the Labour Party and the Free State Union present starkly different approaches to climate and energy policy.

Central to the discussion is the dependence on the aging coal plants that generate electricity for the country.

“We’ve witnessed a lot of global experiences,” noted Andrew McIntosh, professor of environmental law and policy at Australian National University. “One perspective emphasizes workforce requirements and the need for increasing renewables, while the alternative espouses a conservative coalition favoring nuclear energy.”

Both strategies could lead to reduced emissions, according to McIntosh, though many are puzzled by the nuclear program. Constructing nuclear power plants can take over a decade, whereas renewable energy sources can be implemented within months.

“We need to rely on coal for the foreseeable future,” he added.

In some ways, analysts reflect a polarized debate akin to that in the US, where former President Donald J. Trump dismissed climate science and branded efforts to clean energy as a hoax. Matt McDonald, a political scientist specializing in climate issues at the University of Queensland, stated:

“However, rather than making Australians more apprehensive about climate change, Trump’s rhetoric has not gained significant traction internationally, effectively cooling the debates on both sides,” remarked Dr. McDonald.

For Australians feeling the pressure, it largely stems from rising energy costs for households. Australian energy regulators report that average energy prices have surged by approximately 60% over the past decade.

Incumbent Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who leads the Labour Party, has proposed an ambitious target for renewable energy, aiming for over 80% generation by 2030.

“But,” Dr. McDonald pointed out, “we have substantial coal reserves as well.”

Albanese’s main rival, Peter Dutton, at the helm of a liberal coalition, advocates for increased domestic gas production to support electricity generation. While gas is a fossil fuel, it is considerably less polluting than coal. Dutton proposes that gas producers be mandated to supply a portion of their output to Australian power grids, while also expediting the approval process for new drilling projects.

Generally, both parties are proponents of gas development, with Australia being the world’s second-largest gas exporter after the US.

With polls indicating a tight race, the Green Party and the so-called Teal Independents, both strong advocates for robust climate policies, could potentially influence Congress significantly. “If they retain their seats, they’ll be poised to push harder on climate initiatives—like decreasing coal exports,” Dr. McDonald noted.

An additional point of contention globally is whether Australia will be the host for the upcoming United Nations-sponsored Global Climate Conference next year, commonly referred to as COP. Currently, Australia is vying with Türkiye for the hosting rights, an opportunity carrying geopolitical significance and economic advantages by welcoming tens of thousands of representatives.

Hosting nations often establish the dialogue tone for consultation ambitions, and Prime Minister Albanese’s government has been actively lobbying other countries for over a year to support Australia’s bid. “If the coalition wins, this opportunity will certainly vanish,” Dr. McDonald asserted.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Australian authors suggest Meta might have used their book to train AI without permission

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The Australian author expresses being “lively alive” and feels violated knowing their work was allegedly included in a pirated dataset used to train AI.

Parents company of Facebook and Instagram faces a copyright infringement lawsuit from US authors like Ta-Nehisi Coates and comedian Sarah Silverman.

In a court application from January, CEO Mark Zuckerberg reportedly approved using the book’s online archive, Libgen Dataset, to train the company’s AI models, despite warnings from the AI executive team of its pirated nature.

In the Atlantic, Searchable databases have been released for authors to check if their work is in the Libgen Dataset.

Books by notable Australian authors, including former Prime Ministers Malcolm Turnbull, Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard, and John Howard, are among those published.

Holden Sheppard, author of Invisible Boys, a popular young adult novel adapted to a Stan series, expressed disappointment that his work was utilized in training meta AI.

He expressed his disapproval of his books being used without consent to train generative AI systems, considering it unethical and illegal and calling for fair compensation for the authors.

He emphasized the need for AI-specific laws in Australia to ensure compliance with existing copyright laws by generative AI developers or deployers.

Journalist and author Tracey Spicer discovered two of her books, including one that addresses artificial intelligence, were included in the dataset without her consent.

She called for a class-action lawsuit in Australia and urged affected authors to contact local federal lawmakers.

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She criticized big technology companies for profiting while reducing writers to a serf-like status, highlighting the financial struggles of many authors.

…

Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, an award-winning film critic and author of several books, expressed her frustration and called for government action.

The Australian Authors Association urged Facebook to advocate for authors whose work was used without permission.

Society Chair Sophie Cunningham contacted affected authors and condemned the treatment of writers by large companies profiting from their work.

Cunningham criticized Meta’s dealings with writers as exploitative and called for fair treatment and compensation for authors.

Mehta declined to comment on the ongoing lawsuit and is reportedly lobbying for AI training on copyrighted data via executive orders.

Previously, Melbourne publisher Black Inc. Books raised concerns about the use of AI in the industry, with some companies entering agreements with publishers for content use.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Research suggests that Australian government agencies may consider using Israeli spyware technology

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According to a new report, Australian government agencies could potentially be customers of military-grade spyware from Israeli company Paragon Solutions.

Earlier this year, Meta disclosed that over 90 individuals, including journalists, were targeted on WhatsApp using this software, although it remains uncertain if Australians were among the targets.

In reports released by Citizen Lab on Wednesday, two Australian IP addresses were identified as potential users of Paragon’s spyware tools. Citizen Lab managed to map out Paragon’s server infrastructure based on tips they received.

The spyware allows access to messaging apps on users’ devices and is exclusively sold to governments worldwide, not to private entities.

The Australian domains mentioned in the report do not have a history of previous ownership according to WHOIS domain searches. These domains could potentially be utilized by federal or state agencies, although sources indicate that Paragon Solutions is not linked to the Ministry of Interior or Australia’s Signals Bureau.

When questioned about Australian customers or the targeting of Australians, Paragon did not provide direct answers to these queries.

John Fleming, the executive chairman of the company, stated, “Paragon’s ultimate goal is to aid national security and law enforcement in combating serious crimes and terrorism within the boundaries of the law, while also considering privacy implications. They ensure that customers operate within legal frameworks and enforce strict rules against misuse.”

A recent report from Citizen Lab followed Meta’s announcement in January that journalists and civil society members were targeted on WhatsApp using spyware owned by Paragon Solutions.

Meta sent a cease and desist letter to Paragon and explored legal actions against them after the incident.

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Meta declined to comment further when asked if Australians were among the targets.

Italian investigative journalist Francesco Cancerato uncovered a young fascist within the far-right party of Italian Prime Minister Giogia Meloni after receiving alerts from WhatsApp regarding the attack.

Following this revelation, Paragon Solutions terminated its contract with Italy. Meloni’s office denied any involvement by the national intelligence agency or government in alleged violations against journalists and activists.

Citizen Lab, headquartered at the University of Toronto, specializes in research on cyber and surveillance technologies.

Source: www.theguardian.com

The social struggles of Australian college students: What are they missing out on at universities?

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Whenmai* began studying psychology in mid-2019. She looked forward to traveling to college to have a lively conversation with her classmates working on new ideas.

However, when her in-person tutorials were exchanged for a Zoom meeting in 2020, her excitement turned into horror.

“People don’t switch cameras. They have their names displayed,” says Mai. “It’s very lonely and very isolated. If you’re struggling with questions, then no one will talk.”

The auditorium, once full of students, was emptied in favor of pre-recorded lectures, Mai said. Even the lab demonstrations have been replaced by a lively, undirected Zoom breakout room.

Mai sat through an online class who fell silent mid-hour time slot as the instructor sued a grid of faceless viewer names to engage in simple questions.

“No one spoke,” she says. “It’s so annoying, it hurts so much, you just want to go out.”

As soon as she graduated, Mai moved to Hobart to study medicine. The lockdown was fading memory and she was expecting a packed campus.

But apart from her medication classmates, she says it was abandoned – it remains two years later.

“I had this very naive vision, ‘Oh, wow, I’m going to meet a lot of students from many different places.” [but] Many students don’t attend just because they have other work or life commitments,” she says.

Australian students like MAI enroll in college in the hopes of experiences that many facilities no longer offer. They imagine themselves in time and space exploring big ideas with their peers and teachers, share vibrant discussions and share their path to becoming independent adults.

Those who can’t afford to spend the whole week on campus or are not given the option of in-person classes are worried that they are missing out. High quality education While increasing fees are being charged.

Students under financial pressure cut classes and picked up more jobs. The result is a malicious cycle of lower campus attendance, according to students. Few students will be taking part in the class in person, and attending classes is even less attractive and there will be fewer face-to-face opportunities for universities as they do not appear.

Like Mai, many people ask themselves: “What is the point of going to campus?”

AAccording to Dr. Thuc Bao Huynh, a researcher at the Center for Youth Policy and Education Practice at Monash University, Ustralian’s expectations for university life go back to research ideals before the 1980s, before the 1980s.

“If someone was a student, they wouldn’t actually do that much except they were students,” he says. “That’s not the case anymore.”

The myth of campus life opposes the modern reality where increasingly fewer students have the luxury of their own research and social life, their primary responsibility. Since the 1990s, the number of Australians from a wider background has increased. Costs of living are accelerating this trend, Huynh said it forces more students to treat the university as a part-time commitment.

As Rent and living expenses There is a share of students with jobs rising According to the Some analysis. Almost half of all students chose I’ll be studying part-time instead of full-time in 2023.

Those who can’t afford to spend the whole week on campus, or who don’t have in-person classes on the course, are worried that they are being charged a growing number of fees, rather than overlooking a quality education. Photo: Agenzia Sintesi/Alamy

“Being a student is 1740532059 I mashed with everything else that young people are experiencing,” Huyn says. “That’s another thing they have to deal with.”

Classmates at Jed Brockhouse who struggled to work juggle college and were given the option to do coursework online will not be able to come to campus at Latrobe University in North Melbourne.

“If you know you don’t need to be there, why do you sit in class for two hours, fit in an hour of traffic?” he says.

Sam Lane only learned how much he missed when he took a break from law classes and reached out to art history.

He says he went to university in 2019 looking for a photo of his parents’ campus life. To people. “

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Lane got a glimpse into the fantasy world at the University of New South Wales Art School on Sydney’s bustling Oxford Street. His long three-hour art history class forced him and his peers to meet face to face or gave him time to tackle and discuss aesthetics and philosophy.

“You didn’t feel like you were there just to get bitten and spit out of the auditorium,” he says. “If there’s something interesting for the class, you can dig into it.”

However, once his art tutorial is over, Lane has to hurry back to the main campus of UNSW in eastern Sydney, reducing the teaching time on campus, and the professor has rushed through an impossible amount of information. Ta.

Sam says he went to university in 2019 looking for photos of campus life drawn by his parents. Photo: Lisa Marie Williams/The Gardian

“We don’t have time to chat, we don’t have time to get to know the people around you,” he says. “You’re too busy trying to get through all the content very quickly.”

Lane is now approaching the end of his degree and watching attendees get nervous with the Student Association, stopping the long-term party tradition, including Battle of the Band events.

“People want to understand what they have lost and really go back to it… [but] There’s no good time to put it [on] “There aren’t enough people on campus so they don’t get voter turnout,” he says. “I’m a little dead.”

THis tendency towards online learning reflects wider pressure. A decline in federal funding and threatened losses from international students, the main source of income, forced the university to save. At the same time, university staff teach 200,000 students more than they did a decade ago.

Kaab Qureshi, a sophomore at Australian National University in Canberra, says it’s difficult to learn in classes that have become “strange” as the university is cut and contact time condensed.

“They just want to cut costs as quickly as possible,” he says. “I think they’ve made more reputation and profitable than student involvement and support.”

Even the face-to-face class stuffing didn’t stop them from finding the community they wanted for those who could afford to stroll around campus.

Kristy Sauw, a classmate at ANU in Qureshi, says his first year in college wasn’t good. After moving from Wagga Wagga High School to the on-campus residential hall, it was easy for her to make friends and go to classes in person.

“We made a lot of friends in our philosophy tutorials because we considered it an hour to yap. It was really fun,” she says. “As much as we focus on what we’re actually talking about, we’ve also become bonded and talked about random topics.”

Qureshi spent extra money to live in the residential hall for his first year, but the

Source: www.theguardian.com

New Way to Navigate the Housing Crisis: Join a Facebook Group Celebrating Retro Australian Homes and Culture

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One of my favorite Facebook group members is someone who shares a dislike for white paint.

In the comments, people discuss old houses from the mid-century era that have been painted white. Some debate whether they can undo the damage caused by previous owners. The focus is on the “incredibly destructive act” of whitewashing these homes, with a link shared to a house that is currently for sale. “I scrolled past three pictures and had to stop,” reads one of the 80 intense replies.

“Unbelievable destructive act”: A white-painted trend that surrounds the beauty of the Middle Ages. Photo: facebook / meta

These are my people and we belong to a retro house for sale group in Australia. This group is dedicated to sharing links to houses from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s (or earlier!) that are currently on the market. We also admire well-maintained vintage beach houses while mourning the tragically renovated interiors that have lost their charm due to new colors.


I may not know what this group is all about, but now it occupies most of my scrolling time and mental space. I find great joy in eavesdropping on discussions about old houses, connecting with strangers over a shared passion. The allure of retro pastel bathrooms and wooden paneling is like a free fashion show. My current favorite discovery is a church converted by Welby. It has a ghostly appearance and sits on 5 acres of land with aging houses around it. In Teac, Victoria, there are remnants of a cult commune or “church-based community” with a “rich heritage,” as delicately put in the listing.

But my obsession goes beyond curiosity. It’s no secret that the Australian housing market is tough, but within this Facebook group, dreams can flourish. I share links to remarkable properties with the group chat, envisioning myself repairing and restoring them.

“Church that looks like a ghost that looks like a ghost” … or a fixer upper that is perfect for this housing crisis. Photo: Realestate.com.au

I skip over listings in pricey Sydney suburbs that are out of reach and focus on fixer-uppers outside the city. I imagine a different life that could have been mine if I had bought one of these homes.

Could I live in a town like Kyogle, NSW, with a population of 2,751? Or perhaps Mount Barker, South Australia? But most of all, I dream of Tasmania with its retro mysteries, affordable prices, and proximity to the beach – if only the water temperature were a bit warmer.

“Can I live in Kaoguru, New South Wales? Population 2,751?” Photo: facebook / meta

This charm is on borrowed time. Retro houses in Australia continue to dwindle as money often triumphs over taste, leading to the demolition of older homes in favor of newer, cheaper options. I witness this reality daily. Despite the construction boom near my beachside Sydney neighborhood, I long for the stories that old houses hold. However, online, I maintain hope that one of these houses can be mine, exchanging thoughts and ideas with others in the group.

www.theguardian.com

Australian Museums Utilize Technology to Engage Visitors with Volcanic Explosions every 15 minutes

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IIt begins with a soft rumble, then an explosion, and finally a thunderous roar. Pyroclastic flows spew out from volcanoes and race towards us at alarming speeds. A cascade of volcanic ash seems to be pelting the surrounding space – technically, it’s the distinctive pumice gravel from Mount Vesuvius – and for a few moments, patrons at the National Museum of Australia are transported to the 1,946-year-old tragedy in Pompeii.

Immersive experiences, including increasingly advanced virtual reality technology, are gaining popularity in museums despite criticism from scholars that flashy special effects may divert viewers from the actual artifacts and exhibits. It has shifted from being a mere gimmick to a successful exhibition to a crucial component in educating future generations, assuming that the primary purpose of museums is entertainment.

Laurent Dondy, the head of development and international tours at Grand Palais Immersif, the French company involved in creating Pompeii, acknowledges some of the apprehensions regarding immersive technology in museums.

“Sorry, but I don’t want to see Van Gogh smoking or scratching his head,” he explains. “Our approach is a blend of art and science. Technology plays a role in the creative process that surprises people and can undoubtedly add a layer of enjoyment to the experience.”

Pompeii is now on display at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra, offering hourly exhibitions showcasing Mount Vesuvius. While the immersive encounter is included in the admission price, other high-budget productions in Australia necessitate separate headsets and seats due to technology requirements, resulting in extra charges that can escalate the cost of a family day at the museum to hundreds of dollars.

Over 500,000 individuals attended the record-breaking ‘Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs’ exhibition at the Australian Museum in Sydney, with a quarter opting for the additional $30 fee for the VR component per person. We decided to queue for the opportunity to participate.

Visitors to the Australian Museum’s ‘Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs’ exhibition. Photo: David Gray/AFP/Getty Images

The Australian Museum’s latest hits, Machu Picchu and the Golden Empire of Peru, mark the museum’s fourth stage production with an immersive element.

And according to its director Kim McKay, this technology is here to stay.

“In today’s world, we must provide people with experiences, and I believe museums should not be exempt from that,” she asserts. “Museums need to evolve. Like everything else, we can’t be anchored in the past; we must embrace new and evolving technologies.”

“Children now anticipate digital enhancements, and as museum leaders, it is our responsibility to determine how to effectively integrate this technology to maintain an authentic experience. It’s a fine balance.”

Gedeon Experience, the creative force behind Pompeii’s special effects, gained exclusive access to archaeological digs in inaccessible areas, documenting the daily efforts of archaeologists for two years and using CGI to reconstruct the city’s streets and buildings.

Instead of detracting from the visitor experience, this spectacle enriches and complements the over 90 items borrowed from the Pompeii Archaeological Park, including frescoes, mosaics, jewelry, sculptures, and domestic objects.

The Director of the University of Sydney’s Museums and Heritage Program highlights a prime selection of must-see exhibitions from Australia’s museums and galleries.

However, the drawback is that technology inflates exhibition budgets, leading to increased ticket prices.

“They are costly, and there is fierce competition to incorporate the latest digital technologies,” O’Reilly remarks.

Having attended the initial Pompeii exhibition in Paris in 2020, O’Reilly notes that the visual effects of the exhibition are mostly consistent with other immersive exhibitions encountered abroad over the following four years.

“A well-executed immersive exhibit can provide a profound layering of experience and knowledge, but outdated technology may disappoint some visitors. The pace of [developments] is incredibly rapid,” she observes.

“The audience is quite demanding. Game resolutions are astoundingly high. For immersive content and narrative delivery, we now expect the caliber we encounter in gaming. It’s an intimate, detailed experience, and museum-goers will anticipate a commensurate level of quality.”

Is there a risk that future generations lacking technological acumen may fail to grasp the significance of the displayed artifacts?

“Possibly, but without those innovations to begin with, they might not have engaged in the first place,” O’Reilly remarks. “Their expectations will differ from those of previous generations.”

Perhaps not. McKay recounts that when the Australian Museum polled 100 children about their desires for future museums, they anticipated “screens everywhere.”

“That wasn’t the case. They requested ‘more spiders, more sharks, more snakes.’ They sought greater authenticity,” she concludes.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Embrace Your Authentic Self and Share: A Whimsical Evening at the Australian TikTok Awards

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BOf them, the Australian online personality who took to the stage at the annual TikTok Awards on Wednesday has more than 100 million followers. But if you're over 30, you've probably never heard of them.

This year's TikTok Awards received approximately 3.4 million public votes and recognized top creators in categories such as beauty, fitness, food, comedy, and music. Almost everyone who attended the invite-only event achieved fame in a particular field. Among the online stars in attendance were:
quartet of brothers People who perform highly choreographed dances in public (160,000 followers);
gay couple A woman who constantly redecorates her home (3.4 million followers) and a woman who is growing her following.
About having very long hair (Australian Rapunzel, 1.3 million followers). Another woman posted a video that garnered 1.5 million followers.
Ask a stranger if they're on their period. These are people who are regularly stopped on the street by fans and have large enough followings that they can make a living doing business with brands.


American singer JoJo Siwa greeted fans outside the TikTok Awards on Wednesday. Photo: Don Arnold/WireImage

The ceremony, held at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion, was a safe space for hyper-online people. The brand activation encouraged guests to pose in elaborate photo settings. Creators in the audience brought portable ring lights and live-streamed TikTok from their seats throughout the night. That meant crowds were often uncomfortably quiet during awards ceremonies, as it was difficult to clap and hold a cell phone at the same time. It was impossible to use the bathroom without accidentally crashing a TikTok being filmed in the mirror.

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“The main advice I have to give is to stay true to yourself and hit the posts,” TikToker Leah Hulton said at the venue while accepting the award for 12-second video of the year. .
lip sync video It has been viewed 939 million times. “I don't know where they're taking me.”


Throughout the night, entertainment ranged from the flamboyant to the absurd. american pop star
jojo siwaperformed her song “Karma” and presented her with the Music Artist of the Year award (which went to Loyle Otis, who was absent). Beatmaker Cyril Riley has tapped Australian Idol runner-up Shannon Knoll for a song. Host Robert Irwin brought out a live snake. Branded T-shirts were airgunned into the crowd. The night's skincare sponsors had performers dressed as bottles of their products dance to a jagged electronic track while a DJ delivered unspecific spoken word sound bites like “dermatologist recommended.” did. On stage, there were references to memes that have become popular on TikTok this year, such as the Four Seasons Orlando Baby.

But the audience wasn't entirely Internet native. In attendance was 76-year-old TV chef Ian “Huey” Hewitson, who was nominated in the food category, and was awkwardly seated at the same table as fellow nominees in their 20s and 30s. (Finally,
michael finchformer beauty vlogger turned viral chef). Also in attendance was Dr. Karl Krzelnicki, who won the High Quality Content Creator category for his research on topics such as:
Why does drinking coffee make you poop?.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Australian Parliament Inquiry does not fully endorse ban on social media for under-16s

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A parliamentary committee investigating the impact of social media on Australian society has recommended empowering users to change, reset, and disable algorithms, as well as enhancing privacy protections. However, the committee also proposed a ban on social media use by individuals under 16 years old. No final recommendations have been made yet regarding access to social media.

The inquiry primarily focused on the influence of social media on young people. Both the opposition coalition and the federal government have announced plans to regulate social media for individuals under 16, pending legislation to be introduced in parliament by the year’s end in response to the current usage policy.

One of the 12 recommendations in the final report suggests enabling governments to enforce laws on digital platforms more effectively, creating a duty of care for platforms, and requiring platforms to provide data access to researchers and public interest groups. The report also suggests that users should have more control over their online experiences, understand algorithms, enhance digital literacy education, and submit age-guaranteed technology testing results to Congress.

Final report

Although there’s bipartisan support for banning social media access for those under 16, the study suggests that ensuring children’s safety may not necessarily involve outright bans until they reach an appropriate age. It emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts with young people in designing regulatory frameworks impacting them.

The Commission highlights the importance of evidence-based decisions regarding age restrictions and the necessity of involving young people in the policymaking process.

The committee suggests that a blanket ban on social media for certain age groups may not be the optimal solution and underscores the need for comprehensive digital reforms to tackle harmful online practices.

Chairperson Labor MP Sharon Claydon emphasizes the complexity of the issue and the necessity for immediate action to safeguard Australian users.

The Greens propose lifting the review of online safety laws, banning data mining of young people’s information, providing more education, and considering a digital services tax on platforms.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Discovery of Six New Carnivorous Sponge Species in Australian Waters

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Marine biologists have used a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to discover six new species of carnivorous sponges in the cladulidae family on the western edge of the Australian continent.

Abisocladia janusi. Image credit: M. Ekins & NG Wilson, doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-72917-8.

Cladriidae It is a type of carnivorous sponge that is found on ocean ridges and seamount systems around the world.

usually considered Deep-sea sponges are known for capturing prey with specialized structures.

The latest discoveries bring the number of known species of cradlefish fauna in Australian waters to 41.

New species include: Abisocladia janusi, Abisocladia Johnhupeli, Abisocladia Aurora, axonidama challengeri, Cladriza Vanesakinsand Narrabora Ningaroa.

They were collected from two deep-sea regions in Western Australia almost a thousand kilometers apart.

Abisocladia janusi One was found in the Bremer Canyon system and the other five were found in the Cape Range Canyon.

Queensland Museum CEO Dr Jim Thompson said: “These science novice species deepen our knowledge of the cladulidae and highlight the importance of continued exploration and conservation of marine biodiversity. ” he said.

“The description and study of these new species of carnivorous sponges provides important insight into the complex marine ecosystems along Queensland's coastline and highlights the importance of biodiversity and conservation efforts across the region. I’ll highlight it.”

Traditionally, carnivorous sponges have been collected for scientific research by trawling the ocean floor, but recent advances in ROV technology have enabled researchers to study these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. There has been a revolution in capabilities.

This latest discovery was made during a deep-sea expedition conducted by the Schmidt Oceanographic Institute using an ROV. Subastian Explore the rich biodiversity of Western Australia's underwater landscape.

“During the expedition, I was able to operate the ROV remotely from my desk at the museum,” said Dr Merrick Eakins, Queensland Museum's sessile marine invertebrate collection manager.

“Our research highlights the importance of deep-sea exploration and the role of technological advances in understanding marine biodiversity.”

“These sponges demonstrate the incredible adaptability of life in extreme environments and challenge our understanding of marine ecosystems.”

“The implications of these findings go beyond mere classification. They highlight the need to protect these fragile ecosystems, which are under threat from climate change and human activity.”

team's paper Published in a magazine scientific report.

_____

M. Ekins and NG. Wilson. 2024. A new carnivorous sponge from Western Australia (Porifera: Porifera: Cladorhididae) collected by remotely operated vehicle (ROV). science officer 14, 22173; doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-72917-8

Source: www.sci.news

The demise of Kotaku, Lifehacker, and Gizmodo: Are we witnessing the death of Australian games journalism?

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IIn 2006, I was fired from my job at EB Games. Looking back, it was a justified decision. One Sunday, I recorded myself leaping over piles of boxes and making inappropriate gestures at strangers. This grainy video of an emo kid in dark clothes was uploaded to YouTube. Ahh, the foolishness of youth.

About eight months later, my manager came across the video and promptly terminated my employment (which today might just go viral on TikTok).

A decade later, I secured a job at the video game and culture website Kotaku Australia, along with its sister sites Lifehacker and Gizmodo, which kickstarted my career.

Now, these well-known brands are no more. Nine’s Pedestrian Group, which held the licensing rights for the three titles from their US counterparts, announced the closure of all three, in addition to Vice and Refinery29, resulting in 40 job losses.

Terrifying months continue for Australian journalismRecent cutbacks include 200 job losses at Nine, 150 at Seven West Media, and significant restructuring at News Corp. While any job losses are regrettable, the shuttering of Kotaku, Gizmodo, and Lifehacker marks a grim day for Australian tech journalism with lasting repercussions.

For video game journalism in Australia, this feels like the end of an era—a catastrophic event. Where once vibrant video game journalism thrived, there now exists a vast void.

Most mainstream Australian publications have journalists covering technology, arts, books, music, entertainment, and sports, but as far as I am aware, none have dedicated video game journalists on staff.

Despite this, there is a significant demand for video game content in Australia. According to Bond University’s Australian Games Report, 81% of Australians play games, with the average player age being 35. With a majority of players falling between 18 and 40 years old, and nearly half of them being female, Australians are projected to spend $4.4 billion on games in 2023.

Video games have also permeated other media forms, from successful movie adaptations to popular series on streaming platforms like Netflix and Apple. The cultural impact of video games is undeniable, yet journalism has struggled to keep pace due to a lack of support and funding.

Video game journalism extends beyond news and reviews, encompassing cultural and business aspects such as lifestyle articles, investigations into the impact of gaming on health, and coverage of the business side of game development studios.

Journalists have been dubbed the authors of history’s first draft, but little has been documented about video games in Australia due to insufficient support. While some independent websites and blogs valiantly cover this space, the closure of mainstream outlets like Kotaku leaves a significant void.

How can we reverse this trend?

The immediate solution lies in major Australian media outlets recognizing the untapped potential in video game journalism. The closure of Kotaku Australia could spell disaster for this field, but it also presents an opportunity for rebirth. Talented individuals are out there, waiting for a chance to shine. All it takes is someone to take that leap of faith.

Furthermore, government initiatives like the Australian Government’s Digital Games Tax Credit and state-based funding for game development can serve as pillars of support for both developers and journalists. These programs have nurtured successful titles in the past and could also aid in bolstering independent games journalism.

And then there’s you, the reader. Your direct support and engagement with journalist-owned websites, like aftermath—founded by a former Kotaku US reporter—show that there is a hunger for quality video game content. Establishing a direct relationship with readers could pave the way for sustainable journalism in Australia.

While I may have left Kotaku in 2017, the closures of these outlets hit close to home. Losing my job at EB Games in 2006 felt like the end of the world, but someone took a chance on me, and I want to see the same happen for video game journalism.

Jackson Ryan is an award-winning science and video games journalist and President of the Australian Science Journalists Association.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Meta conveys that news does not serve as a solution to misinformation on its platform, according to Australian Media.

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Meta maintains its stance against paying media companies for news in Australia, arguing that it does not address the issue of misinformation and disinformation on Facebook and Instagram.

In March, Meta announced that it would not engage in new agreements with media organizations to pay for news fees after the expiration of contracts signed in 2021 under the Morrison government’s media bargaining code.

Deputy Treasurer Stephen Jones is exploring the possibility of the Albanese government using powers under the News Media Bargaining Code Act to “designate” Meta under the code. If designated, the tech company would be compelled to negotiate payments with news providers or face a fine of 10% of its revenue in Australia.

The Treasury Department is also exploring other options, such as mandating the company to distribute news or leveraging taxation to influence the company. The government is concerned that designating Meta under the code could result in a ban in Australia, similar to what occurred in Canada since August last year.

Experts in Canada have noted that where news content has disappeared, it has been replaced by misleading viral content.

In a submission to a federal parliamentary inquiry on social media and Australian society, Meta stated that they are “unaware of any evidence” supporting claims that misinformation has increased on their Canadian platforms due to the news ban, and that they have never viewed news as a tool to combat misinformation and disinformation on their platform.

“We are committed to removing harmful misinformation and reducing the distribution of fact-checked misinformation, regardless of whether it is news content. By addressing this harmful content, we aim to maintain the integrity of information on our platform,” stated the submission.

“Canadians can still access trusted information from various sources using our services, including government agencies, political parties, and non-government organizations, which have always shared engaging information with their audiences, along with news content links.”

www.theguardian.com

Ancient DNA unravels the evolutionary history of Australian dingoes

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Dingoes are found across most of the Australian continent.

Dominique Jeanmaire/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Analysis of ancient dingo DNA suggests that Australia's native wild dogs arrived in two migration waves between 3,000 and 8,000 years ago, and show little evidence of interbreeding with domestic dogs.

Sally Wasef Researchers from the Queensland University of Technology in Australia looked at 42 ancient dingo specimens, ultimately obtaining nine complete genomes, including the oldest genome of any Australian species sequenced to date, as well as mitochondrial DNA from 16 animals.

The DNA recovered dates from 400 to 2,700 years ago and was collected from across the continent. The researchers compared this ancient data with DNA from 11 modern dingoes, six New Guinea singing dogs, and 372 domestic dogs, wolves, and other canines collected in previous studies.

The analysis confirmed that Australia's two main dingo populations – those concentrated on the east and west coasts – diverged at least 3,000 years ago, and because the east coast dingoes are more closely related to the singing dogs of New Guinea than are the west coast dingoes, it is possible that dingoes migrated to Australia in two waves.

Because no DNA from ancient New Guinea singing dogs was found, the researchers could not rule out the possibility that the singing dogs were descended from dingoes that migrated to New Guinea from Australia.

People have long known that dingoes descended from wolves, but “without ancient DNA we couldn't figure that out,” Wassef said.

Since Europeans arrived in Australia, dingoes have been hunted and killed as a threat to the livestock industry.

In recent years, there have been a number of dingo attacks on humans on K'gari Island, also known as Fraser Island, off the coast of Queensland, leading to the animals being euthanized.

Analysis of ancient DNA found no evidence that the K'gari dingoes interbred with domestic dogs. “It's been suggested that dingoes interbred with domestic dogs to provide an excuse to kill them,” Wassef said. “Our results don't show evidence of widespread interbreeding.”

To protect K'gari dingoes' gene pool, Wassef said the practice of euthanizing dingoes may need to be reconsidered: “K'gari dingoes already suffer from inbreeding and killing individuals would significantly reduce their DNA.”

“This study is exciting because it provides some of the data we need to investigate the evolutionary relationships between dingoes, New Guinea singing dogs, dog populations around the world and wolves,” Kylie Cairns At the University of New South Wales, Sydney.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Australian rituals have persisted for 12,000 years, as evidenced by ancient artefacts

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Ancient ritual sticks discovered in Australia's Clogs Cave

Gunaikurnai Land and Water Aboriginal Corporation

Wooden artefacts found in Australian caves suggest Aboriginal rituals recorded in the 19th century.Number The ritual is believed to have taken place 12,000 years ago, making it possibly the oldest cultural ceremony in the world.

Between 2019 and 2020, a team of archaeologists and members of the local Indigenous community of Gunaikurnai in southeastern Australia carried out excavations at Clogs Cave, near the Snowy River in Victoria.

The site had been partially excavated in the 1970s, but during new work the team discovered two preserved fireplaces, containing mostly unfired artefacts made from local wood. Casalina Chemical analysis of the wooden remains found showed they were smeared with animal or human fat and dated to between 11,000 and 12,000 years ago, making them some of the oldest wooden artefacts found in Australia.

This alone would have been a major puzzling discovery, but the researchers and local residents were also examining the ethnographic reports of 19 other people.NumberAlfred Howitt was a 20th century cultural anthropologist who studied the customs and traditions of tribes in south-eastern Australia in the 1880s.

In 1887, close to Clogs Cave, he recorded the rituals of the indigenous “wizards”, powerful medicine men of Gunaikurnai, now known as “Mula-Mlang”, who smeared wooden throwing sticks with animal or human fat. Casalina The wood is placed in small ritual fires and used as magical talismans and curses, a ritual he understood to be used against enemies or anyone the ritualist wishes to harm.

“During this time, the wizard would continue to chant the spell – as the saying goes, he would 'sing the man's name' – and when the stick fell, the spell was complete – a practice that continues to this day,” Howitt writes.

Bruno David Monash University in Melbourne Russell MalletThe Gunaikurnai elder said similarities between archaeological finds and ethnographic descriptions led him to believe the same rituals had been taking place for up to 12,000 years.

Mallet said he was convinced of the connection because Howitt's description matched so closely with what was found in the cave — the type of wood and the position of the fat on the sticks were exactly as Howitt described them.

“This will ensure the longevity of our oral traditions and knowledge and the passing of that knowledge from generation to generation,” Mallett says.

David says the conclusions slowly deepened with the discovery of these unusual wood artefacts.

“Archaeologists never see the rituals that were taking place behind these ancient ruins,” he says, “and to me it's really amazing that the physical evidence that matches the cultural knowledge so well has remained so largely intact and for so long. It's exactly what Howitt described.”

“The team's methodology is thorough and excellent.” Paul Tassone At Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia.

According to Tason, these communities have undergone many changes over time, but this ritual appears to have remained constant: “What strikes me about this is that for this same form of ritual to have continued for such a long period of time, it must have been considered important and effective.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Australian pterosaurs possessed large tongues for consuming prey.

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Illustration of the newly identified species, Haliskia petersenii

Gabriel Ugueto

A 100-million-year-old pterosaur fossil discovered in Australia may have had the largest, most muscular tongue of its kind.

The fossil was discovered in 2021 by Kevin Pietersen, curator at Kronosaurus Corner, a museum near the Queensland outback town of Richmond.

Typically, with a pterosaur, a flying reptile that lived on Earth at the same time as the dinosaurs, you’d find just one bone, Petersen said. “But as we started digging, we started finding more and more bones, and we realized we had to work very carefully,” he said.

Nearly a quarter of the skeleton has been recovered, making it the most complete pterosaur yet discovered by Australian scientists.

The entire lower jaw, part of the upper jaw, vertebrae, ribs, leg and foot bones were preserved, but most surprising was the preservation of an extremely delicate throat bone, just a few millimetres in diameter, which Petersen says reminded him of spaghetti.

Lead team Adele Pentland Researchers from Curtin University in Perth identified the fossil as belonging to an entirely new genus and species of pterosaur in the Anhangeria family, which are found around the world. The creature had an estimated wingspan of 4.6 metres. In Petersen’s honour, the fossil has been named “Anhangeria”. Haliskia petersenii.

Though it wasn’t related to any bird, Petersen said it would have looked a bit like a giant pelican, but Pentland said it would have been a “devil pelican” because of its mouth full of sharp teeth.

What sets it up H. Petersenyi What sets this dinosaur apart from other known pterosaurs is that it had much larger throat bones, indicating it had a huge, muscular tongue, Pentland said.

The team believes that the tongue was used to capture and hold prey, possibly slippery animals such as squid or fish. Once the prey was grasped in the jaws, H. Petersenyi Pentland says the dinosaur’s teeth would have closed like a zipper or cage, preventing escape.

Like pelicans, it likely swallowed its prey whole, she says, and its tongue would have also been used to shove the food down its throat.

In the Cretaceous H. Petersenyi At the time, what is now inland Queensland was covered by sea, which served as hunting grounds for pterosaurs.

“It’s truly breathtaking to look at the remains of these fossil animals and imagine the wealth of life that must have been there at that time and how different it must have been to what we see in outback Queensland today,” Pentland says.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

New Study Reveals Australian Marsupials Are More Afraid of Humans Than Other Predators

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Researchers from the University of Tasmania and Western University have conducted experiments to show that Australian marsupials such as kangaroos and wallabies are most afraid of human “super predators,” fleeing from them 2.4 times more frequently than from other predators.

Recent experiments have demonstrated that carnivores and ungulates from Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America fear human “superpredators” much more than they do other predators. Australian mammals have been the focus of research into predator ignorance because they are suspected of exhibiting atypical responses. To experimentally test whether Australian mammals are also most afraid of humans, McGann others quantified responses of four native marsupials (eastern grey kangaroo, Bennett’s wallaby, Tasmanian pademelon, and brushtail possum) and taught fallow deer to playback predator (human, dog, Tasmanian devil, wolf) or non-predator control (sheep) vocalizations. Image courtesy of Pen_ash.

There is a widespread fear of humans among wildlife in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America, reflecting the reality that humans are “super-predators,” far more dangerous than other predators worldwide.

Australian marsupials have been traditionally seen as naive to predators, based on their reactions to non-human threats.

“Our results significantly contribute to the growing body of experimental proof that wildlife globally view humans as the most feared predators on the planet,” stated Professor Liana Zanetto of Western University, a co-senior author of the study published in the journal Nature Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

“The strong fear of humans found in this study, as well as in similar recent experiments, is expected to have significant ecological repercussions, as additional research indicates that fear itself can reduce wildlife populations and that fear of humans can lead to cascading effects on multiple species across entire regions.”

To conduct their study, Professor Zanette and colleagues designed a hidden automated camera-speaker system in a sheep pasture in central Tasmania known as the Bowfront.

The five species they observed (eastern grey kangaroo, Bennett’s wallaby, Tasmanian pademelon, brushtail possum, and fallow deer) are the most prevalent native herbivores in the area.

As the animals came close (about 10 meters, 30 feet), the cameras captured their responses to non-threatening stimuli such as calm human speech, a barking dog, growling Tasmanian devil, howling wolf, or bleating sheep.

Native marsupials reacted by fleeing more frequently when exposed to the sound of their next most feared predator (dogs) compared to human voices, and were over twice (2.4 times) more likely to flee from humans (44.3% vs. 18.6% of trials).

These findings present conservation challenges but also offer insights for managing native marsupials in regions where they are overpopulated.

“Global studies have shown that humans kill prey at a much higher rate than other predators, making us ‘super-predators,’ and the intense fear of our presence in all wildlife species aligns perfectly with our inherent deadliness,” noted Professor Zanette.

“Humans are the ‘invisible killer.’ We may not perceive ourselves as the primary predator, let alone the most dangerous, but wild animals clearly see us for what we truly are.”

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Catherine McGann et al. 2024. Fear of human “super-predators” in Australia’s native marsupials and invasive deer. Proceedings of the Royal Society B 291 (2023): 20232849; doi: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2849

Source: www.sci.news

Australian court orders Elon Musk’s X to remove Sydney church stabbing post from global users

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The Federal Court of Australia mandated that Elon Musk’s content be hidden from users.

X, along with Mehta, was instructed by eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman-Grant to promptly remove any material depicting “unreasonable or offensive violence with serious consequences or details” within 24 hours or risk facing fines.

The content in question was a video allegedly showing Bishop Mar Mari Emanuel being stabbed to death during a livestreamed service at the Assyrian Church of the Good Shepherd in Wakely.

Although X claimed compliance with the request, they intended to challenge the order in court.

During a hearing, eSafety barrister Christopher Tran informed Judge Jeffrey Kennett that X had geographically restricted access to the posts containing the video, rendering them inaccessible in Australia but available globally through VPN connections.

Tran argued that this noncompliance with online safety laws necessitated the removal of the content globally as an interim step.

X’s legal representative, Marcus Hoyne, requested an adjournment, citing the late hour in San Francisco where X is based and lack of instructions from his client.

Judge Kennett proposed issuing an interim order until the next hearing, requiring the post’s removal and global access blockage until a specified date and time.

Treasurer Stephen Jones criticized X as a “factory of trolls and misinformation” and affirmed the government’s readiness to combat legal challenges from the company.

The eSafety Commissioner clarified that the notice solely concerned the video footage and not any commentary surrounding the incident.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the harmful impact of violent content on social media and condemned X for noncompliance with the removal order.

Meta purportedly followed the directive, while X accused the regulator of “global censorship” and announced intentions to challenge the order in court.

Treasurer Jones vowed to challenge X’s stance, emphasizing the need for online platforms to adhere to laws and maintain safety.

Regulators collaborated with various companies, including Google, Microsoft, Snap, and TikTok, to remove the contentious content.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton voiced support for eSafety’s actions and criticized X for considering itself above the law.

Green Party spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young called upon Elon Musk to address the issue in parliament and urged tech companies to act responsibly.

This confrontation is the latest in the ongoing dispute between X and the eSafety Commissioner, which includes legal battles over compliance with safety regulations.

X faced legal action for allegedly bullying a trans man on Twitter, prompting the company to block access to the content in Australia, while filing a lawsuit challenging the decision.

Queries for comments from X remain unanswered.

Source: www.theguardian.com

“Embracing Our Digital Minions: Silicon Valley Insider’s Warning on Algorithms” | Australian Books

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In Brisbane’s western suburbs, houses hide behind subtropical rainforest, horses graze on paddocks, and road signs warn of deer and kangaroos.

The suburb of Anstead, nestled between a bend in the river and the foothills of the D’Aguilar Mountains, may seem like an unexpected place for a Polish-born management professor who advocates for embracing the age of artificial intelligence.

However, Marek Kowalkiewicz’s home, surrounded by rubber trees, tells a different story.

“When I moved here from Silicon Valley, my kids were about 5 years old and had no idea what an iPad was,” he said from his balcony overlooking his property. “From 9pm to 5pm, where I am, there is a world that is permeated with technology, and then there is a world that is superficially less permeated with technology.”

Today is the first Monday in March, and Kowalkiewicz is just hours away from the release of his book, ‘The Algorithmic Economy: AI and the Rise of Digital Minions’. In this debut book, the Queensland University of Technology professor explores the emergence of a new era driven by non-human agents, reshaping economies and societies in ways that are not fully understood.

Mr. Kowalkiewicz admits that, as the founding director of the QUT Center for Digital Economy Research, he initially misunderstood algorithms. He thought of them as mere pieces of code following human instructions, but now he acknowledges his error.

In a world increasingly dominated by algorithms, Kowalkiewicz believes that human agency is more important than ever to ensure a positive impact on society.

As we enter this new “weird” economy characterized by algorithmic controllers, robotaxis, and AI-driven decisions, Kowalkiewicz sees opportunities for human empowerment rather than replacement.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Privacy Concerns Rise as Smart Devices Gain Popularity in Australian Homes

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Do you have any smart devices or home appliances that can be controlled remotely in your house? These devices have become a common feature in modern homes over the past decade, offering convenience but also raising concerns about privacy. These smart devices collect, share, aggregate, and analyze data, posing potential risks to personal information. According to Katherine Kemp, an expert in law and data privacy, privacy laws in Australia are not up to date, which is a global concern. The information collected by smart devices can be used for targeted advertising, and it’s unclear where this data ends up.

While smart devices offer benefits such as environmental friendliness, Kemp believes that their main purpose is to collect and sell more information rather than promoting environmental sustainability. There’s a concern that companies use this data for targeted advertising and other commercial purposes, potentially creating detailed profiles of individuals.

Concerns about privacy and consent models have been raised by Sam Floreani, the policy director at Digital Rights Watch. The collection and use of data depend on underlying incentives, and it’s essential for individuals to fully understand the implications of sharing their data. He also mentioned the need for improving consent laws and rights around personal data.

Australia’s current privacy laws require consent, but customers are not always given the right information to make informed choices. The government is planning an overhaul of the law to bring it into the “digital age” and strengthen enforcement powers for privacy watchdogs.

Convenience and privacy

Some argue that sacrificing privacy for convenience is worth it, especially if it improves accessibility. For the visually impaired community, smart devices play an important role in reducing social isolation. However, concerns remain about the trade-off between convenience and privacy.

“That’s too tempting.”

Early concepts of smart homes focused on collecting data solely for the occupants’ purposes. However, the potential for lucrative behavioral advertising services led to a shift in the use of this data. Changes in privacy laws are needed to establish stricter standards for how companies behave regarding smart devices.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Australian researchers find over 1,000 species of wildlife in suburban home and backyard

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University of Queensland researchers Matt Holden, Andrew Rogers, Russell Yong and colleagues took on the challenge of identifying species around their home in Brisbane, Australia. paper in a diary ecology.

rogers other. They discovered his 1,150 unique species of animals, plants and fungi around his inner Brisbane home. Image credit: Penny.

Dr Holden, Dr Rogers and Dr Yong conducted a census in shared homes and their backyards during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, collecting 1,150 endemic species of animals, plants and fungi over 12 months. discovered.

“We asked a number of ecologists and conservation scientists how many species they expected to find in this environment, and they predicted only 200 species.” Dr. Holden said.

“But after 60 days of research, we had already discovered 777 species.”

“It shows that suburban homes and apartments can contain much more biodiversity than previously imagined, especially when it comes to insects.”

The idea for species number came when Dr. Rogers went to vacuum the cobwebs in his room and wondered how many spiders there were on the premises.

“The three of us immediately came up with a plan to scour our homes and backyards looking for other creatures living with us,” Dr Holden said.

The survey revealed a rich biodiversity, including 436 species of moths and butterflies, 56 species of spiders, 8 species of reptiles, and 56 species of birds.

Bird species included yellow-brown black-breasted kingfishers, common kingfishers, green honeycreepers, rainbow parakeets, spotted doves and Brisbane’s favorite, the Australian white ibis.

“Blue-bellied skinks hibernated under the garage, and at night we had green-bellied bees and teddy bear bees sleeping in the hedge under the front window,” Dr Holden said.

Researchers were also surprised to discover three species not previously recorded in Australia’s major biodiversity databases. Living Australia Atlas — Mosquitoes, sandflies, invasive flatworms, Platypus ManokwariIt is responsible for the decline in populations of native snails around the world.

“The house was a complex ecosystem of interacting species – we encountered a moth Countless scat lacerations“The caterpillars spend their entire lives feeding in green mouse feces before emerging as adults,” Dr Holden said.

“Palyrgis conqueror This is another type of moth whose caterpillars live inside spider webs and eat spider feces to survive. ”

“All urban housing has the potential to host similar biodiversity.”

“It depends on how people take care of their homes and gardens. By keeping low-maintenance trees and shrubs, keeping well-maintained lawns and eliminating pesticides, you can increase the number of critters found. will increase significantly.”

“You don’t need to travel to connect with Australia’s biodiversity; you just need to look out into your own backyard.”

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Andrew M. Rogers other. 2023. Home of a Thousand Species: The Untapped Potential of Comprehensive Biodiversity Surveys of Urban Properties. ecology, published online on December 1, 2023. doi: 10.1002/ecy.4225

Source: www.sci.news

Australian Divers Sustain Injuries from Sonar Pulse of Chinese Navy

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The Australian government stated that divers were injured when the Chinese navy used sonar while removing fishing nets underwater.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles raised concerns with the Chinese government regarding the “unsafe and unprofessional” use of the technology, following similar complaints from the United States, Canada, and Australia about alleged actions by the Chinese military in the Western Pacific.

Marles mentioned that HMAS Toowoomba was in international waters in Japan’s exclusive economic zone on Tuesday when a fishing net got caught in its propeller and that it supported the United Nations in imposing sanctions on the region.

He described how a PLA-N destroyer (DDG-139) approached HMAS Toowoomba during a dive operation and attached to the hull, causing Australian divers to sustain minor injuries likely due to sonar pulses from the Chinese destroyer.

Sonar uses sound waves to create images of what’s happening underwater. When used at high levels, it can cause dizziness and possibly organ damage.

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Opposition politician James Patterson stated that the incident occurred after the prime minister visited China to build closer ties. He mentioned that “While China wants to improve relations with Australia, it is taking dangerous actions that put the safety of Australian personnel at risk,”

China did not immediately respond to the accusation.

Source: news.sky.com

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