The Australian Federal Police are testing a new technology that predicts what a criminal looks like from the DNA left at a crime scene, making this use of forensic analysis an Australian first for law enforcement. Meanwhile, Uber is set to pay $9 million to settle a sexual assault complaint and Twitter mistakenly suspends accounts after extremists abuse new policy. Plus, the Productivity Commission says white goods and electronics should have clear labels outlining repair information and ‘expiry...
Dec 09, 2021•28 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast Some of the toughest ‘anti-troll’ legislation in the world is to be introduced in Australia, so how will it work? Meanwhile, the estate of Lord of the Rings creator JRR Tolkien has successfully blocked a crypto-currency called JRR Token. Plus, 193 countries have adopted the first global agreement on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and the US blocks the export of quantum computing technology to Chinese organizations. Guests: Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson, News Corp National Technology Editor Al...
Dec 02, 2021•28 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast The trading of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin has been declared forbidden for Muslims in Indonesia. So, what does this mean for the 6.5 million cypto investors in Indonesia? Meanwhile Tinder and Queensland Police launch a new campaign to combat assaults. It’s a world first but is it enough and what can other dating apps learn from it? And would you replace your own iPhone’s screen, battery or camera if it was broken? Well, if you’re brave enough, you now can as Apple makes parts and tools availab...
Nov 25, 2021•28 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast The Commonwealth Bank is adding cryptocurrencies to its banking app, becoming the first Australian bank to offer such a service. Plus, Twitter launched its new subscription product, Twitter Blue, in the US this week but some experts are asking why some simple features are hiding behind the paywall. And the US Justice Department is suing Uber over allegations it has been overcharging disabled people. Guests: Natasha Gillezeau - Technology, Marketing and Media journalist at The Australian Financia...
Nov 18, 2021•28 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast On the show this week, the panel discuss Facebook’s decision to eliminate facial recognition and what it means, and what we know about the Metaverse and its usability. Plus, Netflix introduces games – but do we want to play them and are they the future of streaming services? And why has Yahoo pulled its services from China? Guests: Angharad Yeo, Technology journalist and host of the Queens of the Drone Age podcast Cameron Wilson, Associate Editor at Crikey
Nov 11, 2021•28 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast Who makes Artificial Intelligence, and how should it be made differently – if at all? All technology is the product of humans. But just who are the people behind technology? Whose interests shape how it's created? Which values and voices are prioritised, and which ones are excluded? And what factors influence why technologies are designed in certain ways for certain purposes? Guests: Dr Jathan Sadowski, Research Fellow in the Emerging Technologies Research Lab & Centre of Excellence for Auto...
Nov 04, 2021•28 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast OnlyFans has developed a global reputation for its adult content, but the Vienna Tourist Board has found a new use for the site - it's become a refuge for nude artworks that other social platforms have censored. And, could an algorithm on the hunt for financial crime help bring down the price of housing? Plus, 20 years since it's launch, does the world still have a place for the humble old iPod? Guests: Rae Johnston, host of the Queens of the Drone Age podcast & Dr Emily van der Nagel, Socia...
Oct 28, 2021•28 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast OnlyFans has developed a global reputation for its adult content, but the Vienna Tourist Board has found a new use for the site - it's become a refuge for nude artworks that other social platforms have censored. And, could an algorithm on the hunt for financial crime help bring down the price of housing? Plus, 20 years since it's launch, does the world still have a place for the humble old iPod? Guests: Rae Johnston, host of the Queens of the Drone Age podcast & Dr Emily van der Nagel, Socia...
Oct 28, 2021•28 min•Ep 42•Transcript available on Metacast South Australia is the only jurisdiction in Australia actively trialling home quarantine technology, but human rights groups are already raising concerns. Are there better options? Plus, a UK legal challenge is raising questions about whether politicians should be able to destroy their WhatsApp messages. And recent shutdowns in major online services could be a sign of things to come. Guests: Josh Taylor, Reporter at Guardian Australia & Alice Clarke, freelance journalist and game reviewer...
Oct 21, 2021•28 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast We’ll soon be walking around with them and flashing them to wine, dine and travel – but how easy will it be to spot a legitimate vaccine passport compared to a fake one? We discuss what could have prevented a security flaw and what’s being done about fake vaccine passports. Meanwhile, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia will be using an artificial intelligence tool to stem abusive messages being sent on electronic payments. Plus, Facebook and Instagram introduce new features in an effort to prote...
Oct 14, 2021•28 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast If you’ve been getting strange calls and text messages asking you to click links or hand over personal information, you’re not alone. Scamwatch has reported a record $211 million in losses to scams so far this year – an 89 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. So where are the scams coming from and what should you do when you're targeted? Plus - YouTube removes all anti-vaccine misinformation, Donald Trump sues to get back on Twitter and the Facebook whistle-blower goes public...
Oct 07, 2021•28 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast If you’ve been getting strange calls and text messages asking you to click links or hand over personal information, you’re not alone. Scamwatch has reported a record $211 million in losses to scams so far this year – an 89 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. So where are the scams coming from and what should you do when you're targeted? Plus - YouTube removes all anti-vaccine misinformation, Donald Trump sues to get back on Twitter and the Facebook whistle-blower goes public...
Oct 07, 2021•28 min•Ep 40•Transcript available on Metacast The EU plans to make USB-C connectors the standard port for all smartphones and tablets, angering Apple as the move would impact iPhones more than its rivals. And Facebook under fire again after leaked documents reveal a series of accusations about its internal workings. Plus, would you pay for a streaming service that’s just news? Guests: Natasha Gillezeau, technology journalist, The Australian Financial Review & Peter Wells, freelance technology journalist
Sep 30, 2021•28 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast The EU plans to make USB-C connectors the standard port for all smartphones and tablets, angering Apple as the move would impact iPhones more than its rivals. And Facebook is under fire again after leaked documents reveal a series of accusations about its internal workings. Plus, would you pay for a streaming service that’s just news? Guests: Natasha Gillezeau, technology journalist, The Australian Financial Review & Peter Wells, freelance technology journalist
Sep 30, 2021•28 min•Ep 48•Transcript available on Metacast We know you like to be up to date with all things tech, media and culture, but if you’re hungry for some pop-culture content, then check out the ABC podcast Stop Everything! Hosted by Beverley Wang and Benjamin Law, Stop Everything! is your one-stop-shop for all the latest in film, tv, music and internet culture. Join Benjamin Law and Beverley Wang as they take you through the good, the bad and the viral, and why it matters.
Sep 23, 2021•2 min•Ep 47•Transcript available on Metacast Can artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive technology prevent crime? And what is at stake if it does? This week we look at an AI tool Queensland police are trialling to help predict and prevent domestic violence incidents, and what’s happening around the world with this type of technology more broadly and how transparency can underpin public trust and support of such tools. Guests: Professor Lyria Bennett Moses, Director of the Allens Hub for Technology, Law and Innovation and a Professor i...
Sep 23, 2021•28 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast This week: How the conspiracy video Loose Change energized the "9/11 truther movement" and sparked an age of disinformation. Meanwhile, Facebook unveils Ray-Ban Stories which are designed for hands-free photos and videos. Plus, foldable phone sales are up and it’s yet to be determined if they’re the future or a fad, and how many mini-subscriptions are too many? Guests: Alice Clarke, Award-winning freelance technology journalist & Cam Wilson, Associate Editor at Crikey
Sep 16, 2021•28 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast China is banning children from playing online games for more than three hours a week. The measures come in response to growing concerns over gaming addiction, but will it work? Meanwhile, El Salvador becomes the first country in the world to recognise Bitcoin as legal tender and Banksy’s website is reportedly hacked, despite warnings, leaving a fan out of pocket for buying a fake Banksy NFT. Plus, are gadgets that promise to track and improve our sleep just getting in the way of a good night’s r...
Sep 09, 2021•28 min•Ep 2•Transcript available on Metacast If you backflipped any harder, there’d be spinal damage… this week we discuss how the subscription service OnlyFans which is famous for its adult content ended up doing a drastic about-face within days. Plus, what do new national security bills allow and who can be the target of these new powers? And Apple pays millions in a settlement and celebrates 10 years of executive Tim Cook. Guests: Ariel Bogle, Analyst at ASPI Cyber Policy Centre & Jonno Seidler, Creative Lead at Unyoked
Sep 02, 2021•28 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast If you backflipped any harder, there’d be spinal damage… this week we discuss how the subscription service OnlyFans which is famous for its adult content ended up doing a drastic about-face within days. Plus, what do new national security bills allow and who can be the target of these new powers? And Apple pays millions in a settlement and celebrates 10 years of executive Tim Cook. Guests: Ariel Bogle, Analyst at ASPI Cyber Policy Centre & Jonno Seidler, Creative Lead at Unyoked
Sep 02, 2021•28 min•Ep 35•Transcript available on Metacast The work of adult entertainers is being disrupted again, after the subscriber-only website OnlyFans announced it will ban adult material. Meanwhile, an office in Bucharest is showing how post-Covid workplace life can look like, with anti-virus innovations. And how concerned should you be about the security of vaccination passports? Plus Mark Zuckerberg has a plan to turn your next work meeting into a weird virtual reality thing. Update: After this episode was published, OnlyFans announced it wil...
Aug 26, 2021•28 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast We use our smartphones for hours every day, but do you know what goes into making it? And more importantly, where are those metals going to come from in the future? Plus, Twitter lets go of one of its weirder and more pointless features. And is virtual reality a way forward for a struggling music industry and why is the gambling industry investing so heavily in Artificial Intelligence? Guests: Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson, National Technology Editor for News Corp & Daniel Van Boom, News Editor ...
Aug 19, 2021•28 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast Apple plans to scan devices including iPhones and iPads for child sexual abuse images. It’s commended by child protection groups but has privacy campaigners concerned. So, what’s the fine print for Apple’s new tool, neuralMatch, and could it be a game changer? Meanwhile, why Instagram creatives are angry and what exactly is a metaverse? Mark Zuckerberg has an idea. Plus, calls are growing to ban an artificial intelligence ‘nudification’ tool – the latest in a long line of unethical services. Gue...
Aug 12, 2021•28 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast If you want to repair or replace your smartphone or tablet, it can be confusing to know how to go about it or where to go. And the Productivity Commission has found that it should be much easier for consumers to navigate this system and what’s called their ‘right to repair’. So, what is it and should we have the right to repair? Plus, what did Sky News Australia do to get bumped off YouTube for a week? And why is one of the biggest movie stars suing Disney, and which Aussie tech start-up just go...
Aug 05, 2021•28 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast If you want to repair or replace your smartphone or tablet, it can be confusing to know how to go about it or where to go. And the Productivity Commission has found that it should be much easier for consumers to navigate this system and what’s called their ‘right to repair’. So, what is it and should we have the right to repair? Plus, what did Sky News Australia do to get bumped off YouTube for a week? And why is one of the biggest movie stars suing Disney, and which Aussie tech start-up just go...
Aug 05, 2021•28 min•Ep 39•Transcript available on Metacast Sixty-eight per cent of Australians play videogames, and 20 per cent of gamers have a disability. The Australian gaming industry is worth $2.43 billion but is it paying enough attention to this market and considering their needs? This week, we speak to gamers and developers living with a disability to hear what’s making gaming more accessible, the barriers yet to be overcome and what the future of gaming holds. Guests: Ellen Jurik, Narrative and Game Director, Blowfish Studios Meredith Hall, Co-...
Jul 29, 2021•28 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast Sixty-eight per cent of Australians play videogames, and 20 per cent of gamers have a disability. The Australian gaming industry is worth $2.43 billion but is it paying enough attention to this market and considering their needs? This week, we speak to gamers and developers living with a disability to hear what’s making gaming more accessible, the barriers yet to be overcome and what the future of gaming holds. Guests: Ellen Jurik, Narrative and Game Director, Blowfish Studios Meredith Hall, Co-...
Jul 29, 2021•28 min•Ep 27•Transcript available on Metacast This week we dive into the biggest spyware scandal of the year, Pegasus, that was sold to authoritarian regimes and is being used to target activists, politicians and journalists. Plus, the power is in our hands – or rather, fingertips – with a new device that can generate small amounts of electricity from finger sweat or pressure. And US President Joe Biden says that social media is killing people, while beyond-the-grave deep fakes get us pondering the moral and ethical limitations of the techn...
Jul 22, 2021•28 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast Breath-based Covid-19 tests are under development around the world, so has the time for disease-detecting breathalysers finally arrived? Meanwhile, Reddit is opening an Australian office, so we want to know why and what’s behind its success. Plus, big news for one of Uber’s biggest competitors and should we shame politicians for being on their phones too much? Guests: Natasha Gillezeau, Technology journalist, Australian Financial Review & Cam Wilson, Associate Editor, Crikey
Jul 15, 2021•28 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, our NAIDOC week panel tell us all about how their start-ups are harnessing the power of technology to help users connect with their country, culture and improve health outcomes. Guests: Kayla Cartledge, CEO & Founder, Our Songlines Dr Kyle Turner, CEO & Co-Founder, Pearlii Dr Christopher Lawrence, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Engineering & IT at University of Technology Sydney. Lead investigator in the development of the SWAMSmob app.
Jul 08, 2021•28 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast 
