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Google to build subsea cables in Papua New Guinea under Australia defence treaty

Google to build subsea cables in Papua New Guinea under Australia defence treaty

By Kirsty Needham SYDNEY, Dec 12 (Reuters) - Papua New Guinea said on Friday that Alphabet's Google will build three subsea cables, funded by Australia under a mutual defence treaty, in a key upgrade to the digital backbone of the biggest Pacific Island nation.

ACMA Secures Retailer Pledges to Block Unsafe Mobile Sales in Australia

ACMA Secures Retailer Pledges to Block Unsafe Mobile Sales in Australia

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has launched a voluntary scheme to prevent the sale of unsafe mobile phones and illegal radio equipment. Online retailers, including eBay and Gumtree, have pledged to block the sale of devices that could interfere with emergency services. The initiative follows concerns about mobile phone reliability during emergencies, particularly after issues with Samsung handsets during network outages. The scheme aims to enhance consumer safety by ensuring only compliant devices are sold.

Australia Implements Social Media Ban for Under-16s, Impacting Brands and Youth Marketing

Australia Implements Social Media Ban for Under-16s, Impacting Brands and Youth Marketing

Australia has enacted a groundbreaking policy banning children under 16 from using major social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. This move, part of amendments to the Online Safety Act, requires platforms to take 'reasonable steps' to prevent underage users from holding accounts, with non-compliance resulting in fines up to A$49.5 million. The ban affects platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube, though messaging apps like WhatsApp and Messenger are excluded. The policy aims to protect young users from harmful content and improve their mental health. However, it has sparked debates about its effectiveness, as many teenagers have found ways to bypass the restrictions using VPNs and other methods.

Reddit challenges Australia's world-first law banning children under 16 from social media

Reddit challenges Australia's world-first law banning children under 16 from social media

Global online forum Reddit has filed a court challenge to Australia’s world-first law that bans Australian children younger than 16 from holding accounts on the world’s most popular social media platforms

Progress Rail's Battery Electric Locomotive Arrives in Australia for Fortescue's Emission Goals

Progress Rail's Battery Electric Locomotive Arrives in Australia for Fortescue's Emission Goals

Progress Rail has delivered its EMD SD70J-BB, the largest battery electric locomotive in the world, to Port Hedlund, Australia. This 265-ton, 14.5 megawatt-hour locomotive is part of Fortescue's strategy to achieve net zero emissions across its operations by 2030. The locomotive will be used to power Fortescue's iron-ore unit trains in Western Australia. Manufactured in Brazil, the locomotive was shipped from Sete Lagoas and traveled around South Africa to reach its destination. Progress Rail expressed pride in addressing customer challenges with advanced technologies that enhance performance, reliability, and efficiency.

Ericsson's Private 5G Network Revolutionizes Mining Operations with Enhanced Connectivity

Ericsson's Private 5G Network Revolutionizes Mining Operations with Enhanced Connectivity

Ericsson's Private 5G Network Revolutionizes Mining Operations with Enhanced Connectivity

Four French Nationals Charged in $10 Million Australian Jewelry Heist

Four French Nationals Charged in $10 Million Australian Jewelry Heist

Four French men have been accused of orchestrating a $10 million jewelry heist in Australia. The group allegedly traveled to Canberra in October to carry out the theft, which included a Swiss-made 'Smiley' watch valued at $5 million. The suspects reportedly stole over 70 items, including luxury handbags, jewelry, and high-end watches. They were apprehended at a KFC outlet in Sydney four days after the burglary and have appeared in court, with a return scheduled for January.

Australia demands social media giants report progress on account bans for children under 16

Australia demands social media giants report progress on account bans for children under 16

Australian authorities are demanding major social media platforms report on account deactivations since a ban on users under 16 became law

Social media ban for children under 16 starts in Australia

Social media ban for children under 16 starts in Australia

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has welcomed a groundbreaking social media ban for children under 16 as families taking back power from tech giants

Australia says it will meet 'challenges' of AUKUS nuclear submarine timeline

Australia says it will meet 'challenges' of AUKUS nuclear submarine timeline

By Kirsty Needham SYDNEY, Dec 10 (Reuters) - Defence Minister Richard Marles said Australia was "very self-critical" as it looked to address challenges, including skilling its workforce, for the AUKUS nuclear submarine programme, ahead of AUKUS defence ministers meeting in Washington.

AirAsia Announces New Route from Melbourne to Bali, Enhancing Connectivity

AirAsia Announces New Route from Melbourne to Bali, Enhancing Connectivity

AirAsia has announced a new international route set to commence in 2026, connecting Melbourne, Australia, to Bali, Indonesia. This route will be operated by Indonesia AirAsia and aims to provide more travel options for Australians. The service will operate between Melbourne Airport and Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, both of which are major hubs with extensive connectivity. The introduction of this route is part of AirAsia's strategy to strengthen its presence in Australia and enhance travel options between Southeast Asia and southern Australia. The new route will also offer seamless connections to other destinations in the AirAsia network, such as Phuket, Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur, through the Fly-Thru service.

Four French Nationals Charged in A$10 Million Australian Jewellery Heist

Four French Nationals Charged in A$10 Million Australian Jewellery Heist

Four French men have been charged with orchestrating a multi-million-dollar jewellery heist in Australia. The group allegedly traveled to Canberra in October and stole over 70 luxury items, including a Richard Mille watch valued at A$5 million. The suspects, aged between 28 and 37, were apprehended at a KFC outlet in Sydney four days after the burglary. During the investigation, police recovered some stolen items, including Hermes handbags, but several high-value pieces remain missing. The police described the operation as a targeted effort by the suspects, who traveled specifically to commit the crime.