Download This Show: Recent Episodes
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Download This Show is your weekly guide to the world of media, culture, and technology. From social media to gadgets, streaming services to privacy issues. Each week Marc Fennell and a team of people far smarter than him (his words, not ours) take a fun deep dive into how technology is reshaping our lives.
Explore the latest in technology, social media, consumer electronics, digital culture and more.
Explore the latest in technology, social media, consumer electronics, digital culture and more.
Explore the latest in technology, social media, consumer electronics, digital culture and more.
An Australian company takes Uber to court, Meta introduces new AI policies and what happens to space junk?
Explore the latest in technology, social media, consumer electronics, digital culture and more.
Apple is being sued by the US government, Truth Social becomes public and what is the legacy of reddit.
Explore the latest in technology, social media, consumer electronics, digital culture and more.
Explore the latest in technology, social media, consumer electronics, digital culture and more.
Should we be excited or concerned about the the pace of progress in Artificial Intelligence technology?
Ransomware payouts reach an all time high, Google rebrands its ai chatbot and Disney makes a move for Fortnite.
Explore the latest in technology, social media, consumer electronics, digital culture and more.
A viral deepfake image of popstar Taylor Swift calls for regulation on AI, streaming server Twitch plans to share revenue with creators and how schools are getting ready for the introduction of AI in the classroom.
The latest virtual reality product hits the market, the Federal Government release their action plan on how to tackle Ai and Meta's Sheryl Sandberg steps down.
From ChatGPT to the a new CEO at Twitter, its time to look at the biggest tech stories of the year.
Explore the latest in technology, social media, consumer electronics, digital culture and more.
Why was Sam Altman fired from OpenAi, Tesla executives were aware of issues with their self driving cars and the demise of Omegle.
Thousands of myGov accounts are suspended following threats of cybercrime, and YouTube is in breach European users from viewing its content if they have an ad blocker enabled.
Explore the latest in technology, social media, consumer electronics, digital culture and more.
Biden attempts to regulate artificial intelligence, the Canadian government bans WeChat for employees and why robotaxi is in hot water.
Explore the latest in technology, social media, consumer electronics, digital culture and more.
One US tech company is set to bring in robots to work alongside humans, X will be trialling a $1 fee to use the platform and does Australia need a disinformation watchdog?
Australia is set to get new data privacy laws, the growing concern of disinformation and fake images spread during a conflict and the carbon footprint of the gaming industry.
As AI images become increasingly commonplace, how do you spot them? And Sam Kerr, Snoop Dogg and Kendall Jenner are just some of the celebrities who have lent their 'personalities' to Meta's new range of AI Chatbots.
Meanwhile, ChatGPT owner, OpenAI has confirmed users can now scan the internet, an update from the viral chatbots previous 2021 limit. And TikTok's new e-commerce wing TikTok Shop has already been banned in Indonesia.
Jessica Sier, Technology Reporter at the Australia Financial Review and Sarah Moran, co-founder of PatientNotes join Marc Fennell on Download This Show.
The government is proposing a national digital identity scheme that will let people prove their identity, without having to use their passport, drivers license or Medicare card. But will it work?
And X - formerly known as Twitter - has removed a feature that allows users to report disinformation on the platform. Meanwhile, New York City has banned facial recognition in schools.
Dr Erica Mealy, Lecturer in Computer Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast and Josh Taylor, Guardian Reporter join Marc Fennell on Download This Show.
AI could play a big role in the recruitment process for your next job, so could the technology help to mitigate unconscious bias in the hiring process? And the creator of Game of Thrones is suing CHATGPT's owner Open AI for copyright, and he isn’t the only famous author to do so.
Meanwhile Google is on trial for allegedly rigging search. And is Elon Musk’s brain chip company Neuralink really ready to seek candidates for human trials?
Meg Coffey, Digital Strategist and Managing Director of Coffey and Tea and Seamus Byrne, Head of Content at Byteside join Marc Fennell on Download This Show.
Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg and other big names in tech have joined a US Senate hearing to call for better regulation of AI, but they’re divided on how to get there.
And Apple wants to know how you feel as part of a software update – but who does it really benefit? Meanwhile supermarket giants are increasing surveillance measures and NASA has released its UFO report.
Jack Ryan, ABC Science and Technology Reporter and Asha Barbaschow, Gizmodo Australia Editor join Rae Johnston on Download This Show.
In world leading regulation, AI generated child-abuse material will be removed from search results in Australia.
And new research has found a new gender-gap, this time in Electric Vehicle sales. Meanwhile, YouTube is verifying health workers in the UK and why you should update your phone right now.
Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson, Future Transport Reporter at AAP and Alex Kidman, Freelance tech journalist and cohost of Vertical Hold join Rae Johnston on Download This Show.
Netflix has continued its transition into the gaming space. So is this the next frontier for the streaming giant?And AI has defeated world champion drone pilots, while the Government has delayed trialling ‘porn passports’ for Australians.Sarah Moran, co-founder and CEO of Girl Geek Academy and Jaimyn Mayer, software engineer and founder of Brisbane Makerspace join Rae Johnston on Download This Show.
The EU is introducing sweeping new regulations for big tech, so could we see a similar crackdown in Australia?
And researchers have used AI to grow more ‘sustainable’ plants, resistant to climate change and pests. Meanwhile, streaming giant Netflix has finally killed of its legacy DVD rental service.
Josh Taylor, reporter at The Guardian and Natasha Gillezeau, editor and product lead at Missing Perspectives join Rae Johnston on Download This Show
“Sleep-influencers” are literally making money in their sleep, by streaming themselves while they doze. But is there a darker-side to the practice?
Meanwhile new AI powered technology means 7/eleven customers will soon be able to skip the check-out entirely. And large NFT marketplace will stop collecting mandatory resale fees for artists.
Dan Van Boom, Technology Correspondent at Capital Brief and Dr Erica Mealy, Lecturer in Computer Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast join Rae Johnston on Download This Show.
Amazon is sending a fleet of Robots to a warehouse in Melbourne, while robotaxis are set to operate 24/7 in San Francisco. So, what are the risks and the potential benefits of replacing humans with robots?
And IBM has released a prototype "brain-like" chip that promises to be more energy efficient. So, if it lives up to its claims could it make operating AI and big data-centres more environmentally friendly?
Meg Coffey, Digital Strategist and Managing Director of Coffey and Tea and Alice Clarke, award winning freelance journalist and game reviewer join Rae Johnston on Download This Show.
Worldcoin aims to provide its users with a verified digital identity, by scanning their eyeballs. The project is offering free cryptocurrency in exchange for an individuals biometric data, but it's been banned in Kenya amid privacy concerns.
And China has proposed screentime limits for kids, so will they work? Meanwhile AI is being used to detect bushfires in Australia.
Seamus Byrne, Head of Content at Byteside and Chris Berg, Director of the RMIT Blockchain Innovation Hub join Rae Johnston on Download This Show.
Do social media echo chambers really exist? 17 academics dove into Facebook’s data to find out. And there are reports that Telsa hired a ‘diversion team’ to suppress complaints about the vehicles driving range. So, what repercussions could this have for the Tesla brand?
Meanwhile, a whistleblower has made claims about alien bodies and UFO crash sites in a US Congress hearing. It comes as NASA is set to hand down its own report into UAPs, so what's going on?
Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson, Future Transport Reporter at AAP and Cam Wilson, Deputy Editor at Crikey join Rae Johnston on Download This Show.
Apple has threatened to remove FaceTime and iMessage services in the UK, if the Government goes ahead with planned changes to surveillance laws. They’ve flagged privacy concerns, but would the proposed adjustments actually endanger message encryption? And actors and writers in Hollywood are striking, stating that AI represents an “existential threat” to the industry. So what is it exactly that they’re worried about? And are Neopets making a comeback?
Alex Kidman, Freelance Tech Journo and Co-Host of Vertical Hold and Sarah Moran, Co-founder and CEO Girl Geek Academy join host Rad Yeo on Download This Show.
It’s been a few weeks since Meta launched its new App, and direct Twitter rival Threads. So with over 100 million users, what do we know about it so far? And has Mark Zuckerberg actually created a "Twitter killer"?
And while Twitter may be struggling, billionaire Elon Musk has launched a new AI company called xAI. The Tesla owner has previously been critical of AI, including the hugely popular ChatGPT for being "too woke", so how will his offering differ?
The cheque has been handed an official death notice, while the end of cash is looming. So, as money becomes increasingly digitised, how exactly are our payment habits changing?
From blockchain, to cryptocurrency and everything in between, Download Show takes a look at the opportunities and the risks, and explores how people can retain their security and privacy in this new world of money.
Chris Berg, Director of The Blockchain Innovation hub at RMIT University and Jessie Hughes, Creative Technologist join Marc Fennell on Download This Show.
The music industry has long been at the forefront of technological change and transformation. But as the use of Artificial Intelligence becomes increasingly commonplace, like Grimes open sourcing her AI voice and the Beatles using AI to 're-imagine' a song, what are the ethics? And who really ‘owns’ the product?
And as social media apps like TikTok are fundamentally reshaping the way music is discovered and created, but is this type of market disruption really new?
Guests: Tim McKenry, Professor of Music at Australian Catholic University
Sosefina Fuamoli, Freelance Music Journalist and broadcaster
This year, the Australian government banned Chinese owned social media application Tiktok from government devices, citing data security concerns. It came as big businesses like Medibank and Optus found themselves the victims of hackers.
Now, the government is scrambling to crackdown on cybercrime, but is it too little too late? And going beyond two-factor authentication, what can individuals do to ensure they are cyber secure?
A US company has used a DNA editing tool to make a salad leaf less bitter. So, what exactly is the reality of gene editing on the future of food production?
And big tech companies like Google, Meta and Microsoft are set to be forced to analyse all user content to ‘proactively' detect illegal things. Meanwhile a large adult entertainment company would like your drivers license, and in Singapore, more police patrol robots are set to be rolled out.
Guests: Jessie Hughes, Creative Technologist
Meg Coffey, Digital Strategist and Managing Director of Coffey and Tea
Explore the latest in technology, social media, consumer electronics, digital culture and more.
Elon Musk's brain chip starts human trials, Google says goodbye to Chromecast and Amazon pays out millions over privacy violations.
One supermarket chain buys an Aussie delivery startup, Twitter becomes a flop for one US presidential hopeful and why Google is paying put millions of dollars to one company.
Should Bitcoin be classed as a form of gambling, Elon Musk's latest Tesla product is a human robot and how one US state is looking to ban TikTok.
Chat GPT's new Google rival, the latest Twitter update and the impact the world's chip shortage has on you.
Passkeys instead of passwords, the Godfather of AI leaves the internet and why Apple is targeting the Air Tag.
A new rival app to Twitter is set up by former founder Jack Dorsey, the mixed reviews of Snapchat AI and why the UK blocked Microsoft's Activision deal.
Say goodbye to Twitter's blue tick, unless you want to pay for it. Also the doors have been shut on the Buzzfeed Newsroom and Facebook's latest payout to users.
New reports of Tesla watching you in your car, the latest company to enter the VR world and how AI could be imitating your voice.
France is set to implement a law that will bring a big change to influencers, threats of Chat GPT to face a major defamation suit and A-list stars are set register their AI likeness/
Explore the latest in technology, social media, consumer electronics, digital culture and more.
Explore the latest in technology, social media, consumer electronics, digital culture and more.
Explore the latest in technology, social media, consumer electronics, digital culture and more.
What does the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank mean for the tech industry? And TikTok's new policy to bring in a 1 hour limit for teenagers.
This week we examine two landmark cases which question whether tech giants can be held liable for aiding terrorism if their platforms are used. Plus, would you pay to be verified on Facebook and Instagram? And NBN's Sky Muster vs Elon Musk's Skylink. Which is the better option for rural Australians?
This week a consortium of undercover journalists exposed the hacking and disinformation team which claims to have manipulated more than 30 elections worldwide. Also what will Australia's new privacy reform measures actually mean for your data?
Which AI chatbot is better, Microsoft's ChatGPT or Google's Bard? We examine the rivalries, the big tech race, and their potential for our future. Ukraine has been relying on satellites for its network of surveillance drones again the Russian invasion. So why have their access to satellites been turned off by Elon Musks’s Starlink company?
Are we falling out of love with voice assistants? Plus, why Netflix is no longer sharing the love (and by love I mean passwords) and why Australian government departments wanted to ban the social media service tiktok from certain phones.
This past week, the government and dating apps have come together to work out ways of making online hooking ups, I mean romance a bit safer. Plus getting medication and primary care over the web. What are the benefits and pitfalls?
It talks like a human. It writes like a human. It can create poems, resumes, Shakespearean text. It has comedy troupes and university examiners scratching their head. What is the big deal about ChatGPT?Plus, is 2023 the year AI becomes unavoidable?GuestsGuests Meg Coffey, Managing Director at CoffeyNatasha Gillezeau, product manager at Flux Finance
Its been a year of devastating hacks, billionaires buying things they might regret, and a roller coaster of news.What were the biggest tech news stories, the strangest products of the year 2022.And how different will our world look next year?GuestsAlice Clarke, freelance technology journalistPeter Marks, software developer at Access Informatics
It was one of the world’s most trafficked exchanges for cryptocurrencies, and now it’s in tatters. What does the FTX scandal mean for the future of digital currencies?And, what would it take for you to put a computer chip in your brain? Elon Musk wants to know.Plus, a US police unit just had invested in killer robots. Is this the future of policing?GuestsMeg Coffey, managing director of digital agency Coffey and TeaReinhardt Sosin, co-host of the Tech 4 evil podcast
A Taylor Swift concert has triggered an antitrust lawsuit into the largest online ticketing agency in the world. Could this be the end of the much maligned booking fee?
Plus, Pong turns 50. Why the the video game is more relevant than ever at its half century.
And, how an online tool has crafted a mysterious horror story.
Guests
Natasha Gillezeau, product manager at Flux Finance
Josh Taylor, reporter at Guardian Australia
Tuvalu, a low-lying Pacific nation, is set to become the world’s first-ever digitised nation in response to climate inaction. But what does this mean exactly, and can it even be done? Plus, Donald Trump’s Twitter profile, banned for inciting violence, has been reinstated. What does this say about the future of the now-controversial social media platform?
And, Deliveroo is no longer. Is the seemingly sudden demise of the food delivery app a sign of an evolving culture, or just an unsustainable gig economy?
Guests
Meg Coffey, Managing Director at Coffey & Tea
Cam Wilson, associate editor at Crikey
As Australia's private health data is leaked onto the dark web, the government is proposing to make it illegal to pay ransoms to hackers. But with stakes so high, could paying criminals ever be justified?
And as Musk's Twitter fiasco enters another chaotic week, are we witnessing the last days of the tweet?
Guests
Claire Reilly, Principal Producer at CNET
Peter Marks, software developer with Access Informatics
The social media platform Twitter has always been characterised by its speed and immediacy but in the last seven days it’s set a breakneck record for changes. What is actually going on? Plus can the tech industry keep moving when one of its biggest manufacturers is in COVID lockdown?
And we say goodbye to a dearly beloved piece of technology.
Guests
Josh Taylor, Reporter at the Guardian Australia
The social media platform Twitter has always been characterised by its speed and immediacy but in the last seven days it’s set a breakneck record for changes. What is actually going on? Plus can the tech industry keep moving when one of its biggest manufacturers is in COVID lockdown?
And we say goodbye to a dearly beloved piece of technology.
Guests
Josh Taylor, Reporter at the Guardian Australia
The ultra rich man behind Tesla has assumed control of Twitter with a promise that it can no longer be a "Free-for-All Hellscape". Is he really the man to deliver on such a promise? Plus, Facebook may be about to play a game of chicken with Canada and New Zealand.
And the Medibank hack of user data is worse than was initially thought. What does it mean for customers?
Guests
Manal al-Sharif, author and presenter of the Tech4evil podcast
Associate Professor Michael Cowling, Information and Communication Technology at CQUniversity Australia
The ultra rich man behind Tesla has assumed control of Twitter with a promise that it can no longer be a "Free-for-All Hellscape". Is he really the man to deliver on such a promise? Plus, Facebook may be about to play a game of chicken with Canada and New Zealand.
And the Medibank hack of user data is worse than was initially thought. What does it mean for customers?
Guests
Manal al-Sharif, author and presenter of the Tech4evil podcast
Associate Professor Michael Cowling, Information and Communication Technology at CQUniversity Australia
The hack of Medibank customer data may be one of the most alarming personal data compromises in recent Australian history. What are the implications? And, just how good is TikTok at stopping misleading information?
Plus, instead of protesting in the streets - should people be protesting in zoom meetings?
Guests
Seamus Byrne, Head of Content at Byteside
Alice Clarke, freelance technology journalist
The hack of Medibank customer data may be one of the most alarming personal data compromises in recent Australian history. What are the implications? And, just how good is TikTok at stopping misleading information?
Plus, instead of protesting in the streets - should people be protesting in zoom meetings?
Guests
Seamus Byrne, Head of Content at Byteside
Alice Clarke, freelance technology journalist
Alex Jones must pay Sandy Hook families nearly $1 billion for hoax claims made on his conspiracy news service Infowars. Will it help to deconstruct one of the most potent engines of misinformation in the history of media? And what is the point of going to work in an office if you’re just going to spend the day on video calls? Experts discuss.
Guests
Natasha Gillezeau, Product manager at Flux Finance
Peter Marks, National technology editor at Access Informatics
Alex Jones must pay Sandy Hook families nearly $1 billion for hoax claims made on his conspiracy news service Infowars. Will it help to deconstruct one of the most potent engines of misinformation in the history of media? And what is the point of going to work in an office if you’re just going to spend the day on video calls? Experts discuss.
Guests
Natasha Gillezeau, Product manager at Flux Finance
Peter Marks, National technology editor at Access Informatics
New EU legislation means there’s a good chance you can get rid of a bunch of wires for charging a certain phone. Will it translate to Australia? Also, would you pay not to be tracked by advertisers online?
And we discuss model laws that could control the 'wild west' of facial recognition in Australia.
New EU legislation means there’s a good chance you can get rid of a bunch of wires for charging a certain phone. Will it translate to Australia? Also, would you pay not to be tracked by advertisers online?
And we discuss model laws that could control the 'wild west' of facial recognition in Australia.
Explore the latest in technology, social media, consumer electronics, digital culture and more.
Explore the latest in technology, social media, consumer electronics, digital culture and more.
Australia is famous for doing elections well, from the wholesome school hall set ups, to the much loved democracy sausage and of course scrutineering from the AEC - - its a pretty well oiled machine. But with technological advancements in e-voting, perhaps it's time we re-think how elections are run to make them more efficient and convenient. This week we discuss electronic voting to online misinformation, counting machines to social media blackouts. Can we have convenience and our sausage too?
First up, how and why has TikTok become Google for Gen Z? Plus, how an upcoming election at the UN could determine the future of the internet, the latest on Elon Musk's painful courtship with twitter and don't look up, NASA is about to go head to head with an asteroid.
When the big mobile phone manufacturers release a new phone, as Apple did this week, have we reached the limit of what we can expect? Plus, big tech hits back at the federal government's localisation requirements for data storage. Does it matter where our data lives?
And our panel has a go at redesigning MyGov.
Guests
Manal al-Sharif, author and presenter of the Tech4evil podcast
Josh Taylor, reporter at Guardian Australia
Cambridge research has found that a 60cm-tall humanoid called Nao helped children open up about feelings. Is there something in this for adults?
An unconventional piece of proposed technology that will change the accent of people in call centres has opened up a can of worms for where our prejudices and expectations lie ... and it's messy. And will there ever be a day when petrol fuelled vehicles are banned in Australia? One US state has already set a date.
An unconventional piece of proposed technology that will change the accent of people in call centres has opened up a can of worms for where our prejudices and expectations lie ... and it's messy. And will there ever be a day when petrol fuelled vehicles are banned in Australia? One US state has already set a date.
TikTok has announced new steps to ensure influencers understand the rules around paid political ads. Could this be a model for countering misinformation? Plus, a social media giant has been accused of recording every single letter you type on your keyboard
And Google wins in the High Court.
Guest
Seamus Byrne, Head of Content at Byteside
A trial took place at the Commonwealth Games last weekend to see whether esports could join traditional sports like swimming and athletics. Should they be included? Plus, Elon Musk is cashing in on shares as he gears up for a legal war with social media giant Twitter.
And why a robot from the team behind Facebook is critiquing the company that created it.
Guests
Alice Clarke, freelance technology journalist
Kunal Kalro, founder and CEO of Eugene Labs
The latest in social media, consumer electronics, digital politics, hacktivism and more.
Instagram has reversed some changes to the app following a backlash that saw influencer royalty Kylie Jenner and Kim Kardashian turning on the platform. Plus, TikTok stands up to the Chinese government by refusing to host a disguised account.
And why we'll be seeing fewer "unicorns" and more "zebras" in a post-lock down world.
Guests
Sam Koslowski, Co-founder of the Daily Aus
Manal al-Sharif, Author and presenter of the Tech 4 Evil podcast
An Instagram redesign has left thousands of people wondering where their friends went. What does this new direction mean for the app? Plus the surplus of streaming services has led to a renaissance in video piracy. Can it be stopped? And could Snapchat's ambition and ideas lead to it's resurrection?
Guests
Cam Wilson, associate editor at Crikey
Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson, News Corp National Technology Editor
An Instagram redesign has left thousands of people wondering where their friends went. What does this new direction mean for the app? Plus the surplus of streaming services has led to a renaissance in video piracy. Can it be stopped? And could Snapchat's ambition and ideas lead to it's resurrection?
Guests
Cam Wilson, associate editor at Crikey
Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson, News Corp National Technology Editor
A global investigation has revealed how Uber secretly lobbied governments across the world on its rise to ridesharing supremacy. What can we learn from the leak? Plus, could a partnership between Netflix and Microsoft create a new model for online advertising.
And are TikTok "kindness videos" really that kind?
Guests
Ariel Bogle, ABC Technology Reporter
Reinhardt Sosin, co-host of the Tech 4 Evil podcast
A global investigation has revealed how Uber secretly lobbied governments across the world on its rise to ridesharing supremacy. What can we learn from the leak? Plus, could a partnership between Netflix and Microsoft create a new model for online advertising.
And are TikTok "kindness videos" really that kind?
Guests
Ariel Bogle, ABC Technology Reporter
Reinhardt Sosin, co-host of the Tech 4 Evil podcast
Death is unavoidable, but can technology play a role in making it easier for those who love you to remember you? We discuss the range of apps and services that can help you leave messages, and plan out your social media accounts after you die.
Plus, the saga of one of the worlds richest men and twitter and why it could send them both to court in Delaware.
And all you need to know about avoiding injury when doing a viral dance challenges on TikTok.
Guests
Angharad Yeo, presenter and journalist
Meg Coffey, Managing Director, Coffey & Tea
Technology has created countless problems for humankind. Some, like global warming, or nuclear weapons, pose an existential threat. On today's episode, two transhumanists make the case for technology as the solution to our problems, but human life could be irrevocably changed in the process.
Guests
Elise Bohan, Senior Research Scholar at the University of Oxford’s Future of Humanity Institute and author of Future Superhuman: Our transhuman lives in a make-or-break century
Peter Xing, Cofounder of Transhumanism Australia and Digital & Data Solutions Lead at KPMG
How many millions of dollars makes the difference between calling something water resistance and water proof? One tech manufacturer certainly found out the hard way.
Plus, smart speakers want to bring your grandparents back from the dead to read you a story book.
And why apps tracking periods could become legally dangerous in the USA
Guests
Tegan Jones, Global Reviews Editor at Finder, and co-host of Queens of the Drone Age
Kunal Kalro, Founder and CEO of Eugene Labs
After 27 years Microsoft has retired Internet Explorer, a product which transformed the way people engaged with the web. A timely end, or gone to soon?
Plus, new data reveals that Australian border force searched more than 40,000 mobile devices in five years. Can they all be justified?
And, Instagram introduces parental controls to a curb mental health crisis.
Guests
Peter Marks, national technology editor, Access Informatics
Alice Clarke, technology journalist
A senior Google software engineer who claimed that the company's artificial intelligence chatbot had gained sentience was suspended on Monday. Should we be wary?
And the EU deal will force iPhones to use USB-C charger by 2024. Will charging technology have been moved on by then?
Plus, Japanese scientists have developed a 'living human skin' on a robotic finger.
Guests
Seamus Byrne, Head of Content at Byteside
Manal al-Sharif, Author and presenter of the Tech 4 Evil podcast
Terms like e-sports and wifi all have their roots in the English language but given how wide reaching the web is, should it not reflect more languages?
And, why one major tech company has been ordered to pay an Australian politician $700 thousand dollars.
Plus, one of the most important people in the life of Facebook quits.
Guests
Amy Bainbridge, ABC National Consumer Affairs Reporter
Michael Cowling, Associate Professor in Information and Communication Technology at CQUniversity
A controversial new website that allows users to search the internet for images of their face has proven to be astoundingly accurate. Could it be a privacy nightmare in the making?
Plus, Twitter has been hit with a $150 million dollar fine in the US for selling user data. Will the tech giant change its ways?
And Dyson is setting up a major robotics research centre in the UK in an attempt to develop home robots.
Guests
Natasha Gillezeau, product manager at Flux Finance
Cam Wilson, associate editor at Crikey
The election is finally over. What role did online advertising play in the result? And are our rules and regulations up to the job in a world of disinformation?
Plus, should tech companies be operating in Russia, even if they claim to be helping the opposition to Putin.
And did Facebook block access to emergency services in Australia? Regulators are dealing with whistle blower allegations.
Guests
Meg Coffey, Managing Director at Coffey & Tea
Josh Taylor, reporter at Guardian Australia
How do you feel about watching Netflix with ads? That might be coming before the end of the year. Why?
Plus, just how many fake accounts are there on Twitter? And will it be enough to stop billionaire Elon musk from taking over the social media company?
And a much much loved piece of technology is about to be killed off.
Guests
Elise Bohan, author of Future Superhuman: Our transhuman lives in a make-or-break century
Jessie Hughes, Creative Technologist at Josephmark
Remember when Facebook blocked all news outlets in Australia over a row about paying news providers, but then "accidentally" blocked fire and state health services? Whistle-blowers have claimed that it may have been a deliberate negotiating tactic.
And, with Elon's takeover of Twitter apparently imminent, there's been some buzz around Mastodon as an alternative. Is it worth the hype?
Plus, the Federal election is just around the corner and social media is being plastered with political advertising. Will it make a difference to the outcome?
Guests
Jen Dudley-Nicholson, National technology editor, News Limited
Reinhardt Sosin, Presenter of the Tech 4 Evil podcast
The creators of snapchat have announced a new augmented reality online shopping tool. Is it likely to catch on?
Plus, a crypto crimewave forces police online.
And the Meta verse TikTok war ramps up.
Guests
Kunal Kalro, Founder & CEO of Eugene Labs
Tegan Jones, Tech Journalist
In the UK, people using self-driving cars might be allowed to watch television on built-in screens. So who do we blame if something goes wrong?
Plus, Netflix is losing subscribers and money. What does this mean for the future of streaming?
And, Google, Meta, and others will have to explain their algorithms under new EU legislation
Guests
Alice Clarke, journalist and game reviewer
Sam Koslowski, co-founder of the Daily Aus
Facebook doesn't have the best track record when it comes to political advertising. Will things be different for election campaign 2022?
Plus, Elon Musk ups the stakes in his bid for Twitter.
And why your weather app might be selling your data.
Guests
Peter Marks, National Technology Editor, Access Informatics
Manal al-Sharif, presenter of the Tech 4 Evil podcast
The world's richest man, Elon Musk, has become Twitter's biggest shareholder. What does it mean for the future of the site?
Plus, Telstra steps up to take on scam texts. Will it work?
Guests
Emily van der Nagel, Social Media Lecturer at Monash University
Seamus Byrne, Head of Content at Byteside
Facebook has been accused of contracting a political lobbying firm to help sway public opinion against TikTok. What does it say about the fight for social media dominance?
Plus, is social media content moderation destroying potential evidence that could be used to prosecute war crimes?
And Amazon workers unionize.
Guests
Natasha Gillezeau, product manager at Flux Finance
Michael A. Cowling, Associate Professor at Central Queensland University
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 Automated Decision-Making & Society, Monash University. Part of the ABC’s 2021 TOP 5 Humanities residency.
Ellen Broad, Senior Fellow in the 3A Institute, Australian National University.
Dr Thao Phan, Research Fellow in the Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making & Society, Monash University
*This program was originally broadcast in November 2021
Skyrocketing petrol prices mean that many Australians are consider going electric. Will this spur an uptake?
Plus, a new announcement from Netflix means the days of sharing your account with others might be coming to an end.
And should we vote in elections online?
Guests
Amy Bainbridge, ABC National Consumer Affairs Reporter
Cameron Wilson, Associate Editor at Crikey
Ukraine has raised millions of dollars in cryptocurrency in the weeks since Russia invaded. Could this be the future of donations?
Plus, is violent speech online ok during war? Meta is trying to decide.
And would you pay to get a background check on a Tinder date?
Guests
Ariel Bogle, journalist at ABC Investigations
Daniel Van Boom, senior writer at CNET
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has already proven to be a devastating conflict on the ground, for soldiers and civilians alike, but this has also been a battle over information and technology.
This week, a special episode of Download this Show explores the Russia-Ukraine war in cyberspace - from DDoS attacks, to disinformation, to censorship.
What impact might it have on the conflict in the real world?
Guests
Katherine Mansted, Senior Fellow in the Practice of National Security at the ANU National Security College, and Director of Cyber Intelligence at CyberCX
Tom Uren, Author of Seriously Risky Business cyber security newsletter on Substack, and Senior Fellow at ASPI
In the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, what can you do to tell truth from fiction in a fast paced war ready made for digital consumption?
Plus, China launches a state backed cryptocurrency.
And can Tumblr work without adult content?
Guests
Jocelyn Brewer, founder of Digital Nutrition
Josh Taylor, reporter at Guardian Australia
In the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, what can you do to tell truth from fiction in a fast paced war ready made for digital consumption?
Plus, China launches a state backed cryptocurrency.
And can Tumblr work without adult content?
Guests
Jocelyn Brewer, founder of Digital Nutrition
Josh Taylor, reporter at Guardian Australia
A retinal-implant manufacturer has shifted its focus, leaving it's users with no product support. Where can you turn if your eye breaks down?
Meanwhile, as millions are poured into NFT's, scammers are circling to try and take advantage.
Plus, is Apple's Tim Cook really worth 99 million dollars?
And has the New York Times ruined Wordle?
Guests
Jessie Hughes, Creative Technologist at Josephmark
Peter Marks, software developer at Access Informatics.
A retinal-implant manufacturer has shifted its focus, leaving it's users with no product support. Where can you turn if your eye breaks down?
Meanwhile, as millions are poured into NFT's, scammers are circling to try and take advantage.
Plus, is Apple's Tim Cook really worth 99 million dollars?
And has the New York Times ruined Wordle?
Guests
Jessie Hughes, Creative Technologist at Josephmark
Peter Marks, software developer at Access Informatics.
The ASIO Director-General has suggested that dating apps are becoming a go to tool for foreign espionage, while Tinder is trying out a blind dating feature. Will it be a catch?
Plus, are cars becoming too smart for their own boots?
Guests
Sam Koslowski, Co-founder of the Daily Aus & Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson, News Corp National Technology Editor
The ASIO Director-General has suggested that dating apps are becoming a go to tool for foreign espionage, while Tinder is trying out a blind dating feature. Will it be a catch?
Plus, are cars becoming too smart for their own boots?
Guests
Sam Koslowski, Co-founder of the Daily Aus & Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson, News Corp National Technology Editor
Facebook's total user base has declined for the first time ever, while its parent company Meta is searching for solutions to stop harassment in the virtual world.
Plus, a new scam alert triggers anxiety about the increasing prominence of cryptocurrencies.
Guests
Meg Coffey, social media strategist at Coffey & Tea
Kunal Kalro, founder and CEO of Eugene Labs
American podcaster Joe Rogan has one of the most lucrative licencing arrangements in podcasting, but after playing host to COVID misinformation on his show, Spotify is facing a major backlash.
Plus - Apple moves to stop stalkers, and TikTok takes on holocaust deniers.
Guests
Liam Ridgeway, Co-Founder INDIGITEK and NGNY
Tegan Jones, Global Reviews Editor, Finder
Wordle, the free online word game flooding social media, has attracted global engagement by embracing the best of online culture.
Plus, the European Union plans to take on targeted ads, and the Australia government takes on online bullies. But will these legislators be able to make a difference?
Guests:
Alice Clarke, Freelance Award-Winning Technology Journalist
Seamus Byrne, Editor of CNet Australia
It was a year of lockdowns and border closures, and for many of us technology was a key part of how we worked, played, and connected with loved ones.
On this episode, the last for 2021, we look at the year that was in technology, culture and media, gleaning what we can learn from the year and forecasting what we can expect next year.
Guests:
Amanda Yeo, co-host of the Queens of the Drone Age podcast
Cam Wilson, Associate Editor at Crikey
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’ dates.
Guests: Ariel Bogle, Technology journalist
Jonno Seidler, Creative Lead at Unyoked
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
Alice Clarke, Freelance Award-Winning Technology Journalist
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 available for customers to fix their own devices.
Plus, the almighty power of the singer Adele makes Spotify do something it’s never done before.
Guests:
Josh Taylor, Technology journalist at The Guardian
Meg Coffey, Social media strategist and manager of digital marketing agency Coffey & Tea
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 Financial Review
Peter Marks - Software developer at Access Informatics
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
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 Automated Decision-Making & Society, Monash University. Part of the ABC’s 2021 TOP 5 Humanities residency.
Ellen Broad, Senior Fellow in the 3A Institute, Australian National University.
Dr Thao Phan, Research Fellow in the Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making & Society, Monash University
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, Social Media Lecturer at Monash University
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, Social Media Lecturer at Monash University
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
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 protect young users from harmful content.
And would you wear a smart headband that claims to make you calmer?
Guests: Ariel Bogle, Analyst at ASPI’s International Cyber Policy Centre & Peter Marks, software developer at Access Informatics
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.
Guests: Amanda Yeo, host of the Queens of the Drone Age podcast & Kunal Kalro, Founder and CEO of Eugene
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.
Guests: Amanda Yeo, host of the Queens of the Drone Age podcast & Kunal Kalro, Founder and CEO of Eugene
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
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
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.
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 in the Faculty of Law and Justice at UNSW Sydney & Associate Professor Michael Cowling, Information and Communication Technology at CQUniversity Australia
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
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 rest?
Guests: Liam Ridgeway, Co-Founder INDIGITEK and NGNY & Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson, National technology editor News Corp
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
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
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 will scrap its new policy that would have prohibited users from posting any material containing 'sexually explicit conduct'.
Guests: Natasha Gillezeau, technology, marketing and media journalist for The Australian Financial Review & Josh Taylor, technology journalist for The Guardian Australia
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 for CNET
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.
Guests: Meg Coffey, social media strategist & Ben Grubb, Editor of Innovation Aus
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 got bought by the founder of Twitter?
Guests: Ariel Bogle, Analyst at ASPI Cyber Policy Centre & Seamus Byrne, Byteside.com
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 got bought by the founder of Twitter?
Guests: Ariel Bogle, Analyst at ASPI Cyber Policy Centre & Seamus Byrne, Byteside.com
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-Founder of Accessibility Unlocked Humphrey Hanley ‘No Hands No Excuses’, Content Creator / Accessibility Specialist
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-Founder of Accessibility Unlocked Humphrey Hanley ‘No Hands No Excuses’, Content Creator / Accessibility Specialist
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 technology.
Guests: Rae Johnston, co-host of the Queens of the Drone Age podcast & Josh Taylor, technology reporter at The Guardian
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 technology.
Guests: Rae Johnston, co-host of the Queens of the Drone Age podcast & Josh Taylor, technology reporter at The Guardian
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
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.
The report from the Pentagon’s Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force has finally landed, so what exactly does it reveal?
Plus, Virgin Galactic gets the green light to take passengers into space, or more precisely, to the edge of space.
And we look at the legacy of one of the most influential but dangerous people in tech history and how much BuzzFeed is really worth.
Guests: Rad Yeo, Technology journalist and co-host of Queens of the Drone Age podcast & Meg Coffey, Social Media strategist
We think of shows on Netflix, Stan and Amazon as being hit shows because everyone is talking about them but the truth is that no one outside of those companies actually knows how many people are watching. So that hit might not actually be a hit at all. So how can we bring a little transparency to the process?
Plus, the women taking on an adult media company, the surgeons conducting surgery in augmented reality and when international travel is happening again do we want to do it at the speed of sound?
Guests: Rae Johnston, co-host of Queens of the Drone Age podcast & Jonno Seidler, Creative Lead at Unyoked
How do you arrest more than 800 suspected criminals around the world? Get them to use an app that happens to be controlled by worldwide law enforcement.
We dive into the weird world of the ANOM app and the role it played in what is shaping up to be one of the biggest crime stories of the year.
Also - dozens of the world’s most popular websites like the New York Times, Twitch and Spotify disappeared offline last week… and it’s all thanks to one company that underpins a huge part of the internet we experience.
Plus are you more likely to swipe right on a dating app for someone who’s vaccinated? And why are we wasting our time on Zoom when we should be making holograms of each other?
Guests: Ariel Bogle, Analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute & Sam Koslowski, Co-founder of The Daily Aus.
Facebook says it will suspend former US president Donald Trump's accounts for two years following its finding that he stoked violence ahead of the January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol in Washington DC. But what are the wider ramifications of that decision?
Also - what do you get when you sign up for Twitter’s new paid service Twitter Blue? Turns out not a lot.
Plus - Apple updates, and would you play videogames on Netflix?
Guests: Dr Emily van der Nagel, Social Media Lecturer at Monash University & Peter Marks, freelance software developer and technology commentator
Facebook says it will suspend former US president Donald Trump's accounts for two years following its finding that he stoked violence ahead of the January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol in Washington DC. But what are the wider ramifications of that decision?
Also - what do you get when you sign up for Twitter’s new paid service Twitter Blue? Turns out not a lot.
Plus - Apple updates, and would you play videogames on Netflix?
Guests: Dr Emily van der Nagel, Social Media Lecturer at Monash University & Peter Marks, freelance software developer and technology commentator
Instagram backflips on a move it made to hide likes on posts, to protect users’ mental health. So, what does this change mean?
Also - how to not get scammed when buying the internet’s newest and most confounding fad – NFTs.
Plus, WhatsApp sues India and Facebook does a good thing.
Guests: Meg Coffey, social media strategist & Cam Wilson, Associate Editor, Crikey
Cryptocurrencies have come up against the might of China, which has warned financial institutions to "resolutely refrain" from providing services using digital currencies because of their volatility. So what does that mean for their future? Plus, trusting artificial intelligence to diagnose your skin condition on Google’s new skin check app, and the court case that could reshape Apple’s App Store.
And it was the gateway to the internet for millions but as Microsoft Internet Explorer takes its final bow, is there anything that you’ll miss about it?
Guests: Sarah Moran, CEO Geek Girl academy & Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson, National Technology Editor, News Corp
How can you tell whether someone’s voice is real or not? Well thanks to a new platform allowing celebrities and influencers to ‘clone’ their voice with artificial intelligence, deepfake voices are going to make it harder for us to distinguish the real from the robot.
Meanwhile, what Elon Musk’s U-turn means for Bitcoin, and what we all need to know about the changes to WhatsApp.
Plus, Instagram for kids? What could possibly go wrong?
Guests: Natasha Gillezeau, journalist for The Australian Financial Review & Josh Taylor, journalist for The Guardian
Being called its own version of the US Supreme Court, Facebook has created an Oversight Board. It's set up to be an independent body that would make binding decisions on moderation and content problems, but how is that going in practice? And should other social media companies follow suit?
Plus, Twitter tries to bend user behaviours with targeted prompts and the option to 'tip' Tweeters.
And Apple's new AirTags are designed to be attached to keys and wallets and to beep when you lose them. So why are they concerned about it being used by abusive partners and why did one major retailer pull them off the shelves?
Guests: Ariel Bogle, Analyst with ASPI's International Cyber Policy Centre & Cameron Wilson, Associate Editor, Crikey
What looks a bit like ice cream, takes hours to build and you can live in it? Answer: A 3D printed house. So what do these houses mean for the future of housing?
Apple unveil new plans for podcasters to get paid on their platform, but will it work? And what does it say about the monetisation of podcasts?
Meanwhile, India cracks down on social media posts that are critical of the government’s handling of the Covid crisis
Plus - digital horse racing. Can you trust it?
Guests: Meg Coffey, social media strategist & Peter Marks, software developer
Google was taken to court by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) over misleading Australian mobile and tablet users about how it collects location data. The ACCC won and now Google could face fines of millions of dollars. The ACCC says this case is the first in the world on location data collection so how significant is this win and what does it mean for our location data?
And there’s more frenzy in the world of digital tokens this week as the value of Dogecoin skyrocketed, now up 18,000 per cent from a year ago. But what exactly is it?
Plus, Charles Geschke, co-founder of Adobe and co-inventor of the PDF, has died at age 81… we look back at our most beloved memories of the PDF.
Guests: Natasha Gillezeau, Technology, marketing and media journalist at the Australian Financial Review & Daniel Van Boom, News Editor at CNET
Google was taken to court by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) over misleading Australian mobile and tablet users about how it collects location data. The ACCC won and now Google could face fines of millions of dollars. The ACCC says this case is the first in the world on location data collection so how significant is this win and what does it mean for our location data?
And there’s more frenzy in the world of digital tokens this week as the value of Dogecoin skyrocketed, now up 18,000 per cent from a year ago. But what exactly is it?
Plus, Charles Geschke, co-founder of Adobe and co-inventor of the PDF, has died at age 81… we look back at our most beloved memories of the PDF.
Guests: Natasha Gillezeau, Technology, marketing and media journalist at the Australian Financial Review & Daniel Van Boom, News Editor at CNET
If you could control things with your mind, what would you do?
You’d play a never-ending game of Pong with a monkey, wouldn't you? Well good, because Elon Musk has got you sorted for that alarmingly specific scenario.
And another week, another leak, with half a billion LinkedIn account details leaked. So what happened and what can you do about it?
Plus, why the Victorian Government is taxing Electric Vehicles and what ultra-fast internet in space looks like.
Guests: Sarah Moran, Co-founder and CEO Girl Geek Academy & Kunal Kalro, Founder and CEO Eugene Australia
For Facebook it was old news, but for over 500 million of its users it was new and shocking, that their phone numbers and personal data were leaked online. So how did it happen, and what can we do about it?
Plus, Kurt Cobain made a new song from beyond the grave thanks to artificial intelligence, but is it any good?
And Microsoft has announced it's providing Augmented Reality headsets to the US Army to help troops identify targets and danger, blurring the lines between video games, reality and war.
Guests: Ariel Bogle, Analyst with ASPI’s International Cyber Policy Centre & Cam Wilson, Internet reporter, Business Insider Australia and Gizmodo Australia
For Facebook it was old news, but for over 500 million of its users it was new and shocking, that their phone numbers and personal data were leaked online. So how did it happen, and what can we do about it?
Plus, Kurt Cobain made a new song from beyond the grave thanks to artificial intelligence, but is it any good?
And Microsoft has announced it's providing Augmented Reality headsets to the US Army to help troops identify targets and danger, blurring the lines between video games, reality and war.
Guests: Ariel Bogle, Analyst with ASPI’s International Cyber Policy Centre & Cam Wilson, Internet reporter, Business Insider Australia and Gizmodo Australia
Non-Fungible Tokens have been making headlines and causing many people to scratch their heads. With an artist raking in $US70 million for a digital artwork, and tweets being bought, we thought it's time to try to understand what's going on and why.
And entertainment giants Netflix and Amazon Prime are clashing with creatives in countries like India over cultural and religious sensitivities. But should they be?
Plus, if you could wash your clothes without taking them off, would you? A new gadget may be your new favourite toy.
Guests: Rae Johnston, co-host of Queens of the Drone Age podcast & Josh Taylor, technology reporter at The Guardian
Imagine if your brooch knew when you were lonely, if silicone skin could sense pain, and if VR was as real as reality itself.
From solar 'paints' to solar-integrated electric vehicles, there are cutting-edge technologies shaping a renewable future. Australia has the highest uptake of solar globally, with more than 21% of homes with rooftop solar PV. And yet among consumers there are still so many questions about solar to power our everyday lives.
Guests: Amy Bainbridge, ABC Consumer Affairs Reporter & Professor Renate Egan, lead of the UNSW activity in the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics
Would you pay to follow someone on Twitter? It's one of the latest ideas that Twitter has floated so we're diving into the world of the Super Follow.
Plus, there’s been a renewed focus on whether the likes of UberEats are doing enough to ensure the safety of their drivers. They’ve unveiled some new plans but are they getting to the root of the issue?
And sex workers are up in arms at the government's new online safety legislation - but why? And what are the ramifications for everyone else that uses the web?
Guests: Josh Taylor, Guardian Australia reporter & Meg Coffey, social media strategist
Would you pay to follow someone on Twitter? It's one of the latest ideas that Twitter has floated so we're diving into the world of the Super Follow.
Plus, there’s been a renewed focus on whether the likes of UberEats are doing enough to ensure the safety of their drivers. They’ve unveiled some new plans but are they getting to the root of the issue?
And sex workers are up in arms at the government's new online safety legislation - but why? And what are the ramifications for everyone else that uses the web?
Guests: Josh Taylor, Guardian Australia reporter & Meg Coffey, social media strategist
Artificial Intelligence underpins our lives and creative endeavours in unexpected ways, from music collaboration to teaching methods. So where is the technology of AI going and are we still in charge?
Guests: Rae Johnston, SBS NITV Science and Technology editor & Dr Ollie Bown, Associate Professor UNSW School of Art Design, author 'Beyond the Creative Species'
Artificial Intelligence underpins our lives and creative endeavours in unexpected ways, from music collaboration to teaching methods. So where is the technology of AI going and are we still in charge?
Guests: Rae Johnston, SBS NITV Science and Technology editor & Dr Ollie Bown, Associate Professor UNSW School of Art Design, author 'Beyond the Creative Species'
It was only a week ago when Facebook and the Australian government locked horns over the proposed media bargaining laws and now Facebook has backflipped saying they’ll walk back its block on Australian users sharing news on its site. So is there a winner in this battle?
And NASA Perseverance rover landed on Mars – we got to see its descent and landing in amazing detail and hear audio recorded on the surface for the first time. So what can we learn from this feat of science?
Plus, Clubhouse has millions of users, but very few privacy options but does that matter for the most talked about app? And we hear about how important Clubhouse was for Chinese users before it was banned.
Guests: Claire Reilly, Senior Editor CNET & Jocelyn Brewer Founder, Digital Nutrition
Around the world, electric vehicles are gaining attraction, interest and sales. Billions of dollars are being poured into this technology and into electric self-driving cars, but not without some serious accidents.
So where is Australia at in this fledgling market, and what does the future hold?
We have industry members to test some claims and to tell us what questions we should ask if want to buy an electric car.
Guests: Bridie Schmidt, Lead reporter, The Driven & Behyad Jafari, CEO Electric Vehicle Council
Misinformation moves faster online than truth. But when it comes to elections, COVID-19, vaccines, 5G, QAnon, chemtrails, are the moves by social platforms actually working? And more importantly, what do you say to a person online that you know is sharing content that you know to be untrue - what's the best way of handling that?
Guests: Ariel Bogle, Analyst, ASPI & Cameron Wilson, Reporter, Business Insider and Gizmodo
The internet was meant to democratise everything from content to ideas. But there’s another edge on that sword and it turns out we aren’t really prepared for it. This week: a video game store, Wall Street and the front page of the internet go to war… not entirely sure who wins.
Plus, media companies want Google and Facebook to pay for news. The ACCC is pushing legislation to make that happen. Google says it breaks the concept of a free searchable web and instead have proposed a new idea for journalism. But will it work and will it break the stalemate?
And in an age of fast information, why are email newsletters making a comeback?
Guests: Peter Marks, freelance app developer & Natasha Gillezeau, technology, marketing and media journalist Australian Financial Review
DuckDuckGo, Ask Jeeves, Yandex, Swisscows, Bing - the search engines we could be forced to use if Google delivers on their threat to quit Australia. How likely is that? Messaging service WhatsApp sees an Old Testament scale exodus. Plus, Donald Trump may not be President or on most social media platforms - will that make it harder to track his influence online? Guests: Sarah Moran, Founder, Girl Geek Academy @GirlGeekAcademy & Jonno Seidler, Unyoked
Congratulations, it was weird, it was lonely, frustrating and unprecedented. What changes forever after this, and what whips back? Also, you used to use video streaming services to chill out, now use them to sweat. Plus, one of the biggest adult entertainment sites is under fire - are there implications for the rest of the digital world? Guests: Rae Johnston, Science and Tech Editor, NITV @raejohnston + Cameron Wilson, internet reporter, BuzzFeed News Australia @cameronwilson.
Wonder Woman 1984, Dune, The Matrix 4, Godzilla v Kong were slated to be the blockbusters of 2021, but they won’t be played in US cinemas. What does it mean for movie lovers in Australia? Is this hastening the end of the big screen experience? Plus, the high-profile AI ethics expert who has left Google and why her departure is so controversial. And the major company that’s pulled the plug on self-driving cars. Guests: Jessie Hughes, VR expert and creative technologist + Seamus Byrne, editor & host of Byteside @byteside @seamus
It’s a service that’s become famous for adult entertainers that may well have cracked a conundrum facing creative people on the internet – how to get paid. What is it that makes Hyperloop special and do we want it in Australia? Plus, has the gaming world inadvertently gifted the world a social media platform that's not a horrible trash fire? Guests: Sarah Moran, Girl Geek Academy @GirlGeekAcademy + Angharad Yeo, host of ABC Good Game Spawn Point
Fitness trackers for pooches - has your pet reached their step count? Across the world more than half of all girls have been harassed or abused online. Can ‘Maru’, an anti-harassment chatbot help? Plus, Twitter has unleashed its latest new feature and in a surprise to precisely no one, lots of people are complaining. Guests: Jocelyn Brewer, psychologist, cyberpsychology consultant @diginutrition + Nic Healey, breakfast presenter ABC Western Plains @dr_nic
The Federal Government has agreed to pay $112 million in compensation for its botched robo-debt welfare recovery scheme. How did it go so wrong? Can Airbnb weather the pandemic? Plus, what happens when one of the world’s most valuable computer companies breaks up with the firm that has made their insides tick along for many years? Guests: Peter Wells, tech writer and host of Meta, a podcast about podcasts @peterwells + Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson, national technology editor for News Corp @jendudley
The Federal Government has agreed to pay $112 million in compensation for its botched robo-debt welfare recovery scheme. How did it go so wrong? Can Airbnb weather the pandemic? Plus, what happens when one of the world’s most valuable computer companies breaks up with the firm that has made their insides tick along for many years? Guests: Peter Wells, tech writer and host of Meta, a podcast about podcasts @peterwells + Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson, national technology editor for News Corp @jendudley
The bold, innovation from Netflix — we believe it's called television! How the social media giants fared against the torrent of US election misinformation. Plus, are people leaving Facebook for new right-leaning social media apps? And why does Google want to buy a fitness tracker company?
Guests: Ariel Bogle, analyst, Australian Strategic Policy Institute + Angharad Yeo, host of ABC Good Game Spawn Point
The bold, innovation from Netflix — we believe it’s called television! How the social media giants fared against the torrent of US election misinformation. Plus, are people leaving Facebook for new right-leaning social media apps? And why does Google want to buy a fitness tracker company?
Guests: Ariel Bogle, analyst, Australian Strategic Policy Institute + Angharad Yeo, host of ABC Good Game Spawn Point
Why have the little black and white grids you have to photograph to go to a café become the go-to tech for the pandemic? Can artificial intelligence tell if you have Covid from the sound of your cough? And Marc's given up on hovercars, but maybe we can still get holograms in our future…Guests: Jessie Hughes, VR expert and creative technologist + Peter Wells, tech writer and host of Meta, a podcast about podcasts @peterwells
The maelstrom of online interference during the US election. Tech companies are scrambling to deal with political misinformation and probably worse. Plus, gone before we knew ye - streaming service and one-word punchline QUIBI calls it quits. And he’s the tech magnate known as the Hermit King, whose reign affected most mobile phones. Who is it? Guests: Sarah Moran, Girl Geek Academy @GirlGeekAcademy + Jeremy Kirk, Executive editor at Information Security Media Group @jeremy_kirk
Does Apple slow down your phone down to encourage you to buy a new one? Imagine a world without news on Google or Facebook - other countries have done it, so how did it play out for them? And is Twitter too good at dealing with sketchy content on the platform? Guests: Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson, national technology editor for News Corp @jendudley + Cameron Wilson, reporter, Business Insider, Gizmodo Australia @cameronwilson
What if you could get an AI face to do your video calls for you? The push to break up huge tech companies coming from Washington DC. Plus, are Twitter and Facebook doing enough to stop misinformation and is Tinder doing enough to stop sexual assault?
Guests: Peter Marks, software developer, Access Informatics @petermarxy + Rae Johnston, Science and Tech Editor, NITV @raejohnston
*CONTENT WARNING: references to sexual assault
It flies, it spies, it’s the strangest security camera - what does it tell us about surveillance and fear? What The Social Dilemma gets right and wrong. Plus, if you’re working from home, should your boss be allowed to use monitoring software to spy on you? Guests: Jeremy Kirk, Executive editor at Information Security Media Group @jeremy_kirk + Natasha Gillezeau, tech and media journalist, AFR @natashagillezeau
It flies, it spies, it’s the strangest security camera - what does it tell us about surveillance and fear? What The Social Dilemma gets right and wrong. Plus, if you’re working from home, should your boss be allowed to use monitoring software to spy on you? Guests: Jeremy Kirk, Executive editor at Information Security Media Group @jeremy_kirk + Natasha Gillezeau, tech and media journalist, AFR @natashagillezeau
Which streaming service is in dire straits and why does Marc care so much about this platform? Plus, fibre-to-the-node and now to the home! Some Australians will be able to get fibre-to-the-home internet by 2023 as part of a NBN upgrade due to start in a few months.
Guests: Seamus Byrne, editor & host of Byteside @byteside @seamus + Ariel Bogle, reporter for Click-Sick – a new 3 part series on health misinformation @arielbogle
Whether permanent, temporary or as result of age, millions of Australians will experience a form of disability. How do we make tech more inclusive? Meet some of the innovators with lived experience of disability driving tech innovation in Australia.
Guests:
Steve Ralph, tester for voice enabled mobile app, Maslow
Heather Morrison & Andrew Gurza, co-founders of Handi, developers of sexual health products
Pete Horsley, founder of disability tech accelerator, Remarkable
Tik Tok has done a deal to stay online in the US but who has really won and lost? Small youth and lifestyle websites may be the accidental victims of the proposal to force the digital giants to pay for journalism. And are there lessons to be learned from new COVID-19 tracing apps being launched in other countries?
Guests;
Daniel Van Boom, News Editor CNET @dvanboom +Jessie Hughes, creative technologist
US President Donald Trump has praised the followers of QAnon as ‘people that love our country’. Where did the conspiracy theory group come from, how widespread is it, what does it say about levels of distrust and paranoia online and in the media and where is it all headed? Guests: Sarah Moran, CEO, Girl Geek Academy @SarahMoran + Seamus Byrne, editor & host of Byteside @byteside @seamus
Why does billionaire Elon Musk want to be inside a pig’s head? Fitness technology that shows what you’d look like if you lost weight - hello body issues my old friend. Plus, Facebook threatens to ban all news on its platform in Australia. Is Facebook throwing a gigantic toddler tantrum, or is the move to force platforms to pay publishers for content too tough? Guests: Natasha Gillezeau, tech, marketing and media journalist, AFR @natashagillezeau + Kunal Kalro, founder & CEO Eugene Labs @kckal
We’ve lost a lot in 2020, but now things have gone too far as the once loved browser, Microsoft Internet Explorer faces its final days. Plus, Airbnb have banned something we all need but probably shouldn’t have. The mobile phone company storming its way through India. And Tik Tok is suing Trump. Guests: Rae Johnston, Science and Tech Editor, NITV @raejohnston + Nic Healey, tech writer and breakfast show host, ABC Western Plains @dr_nic
The tech world got messy this week. Apple took on the creators of Fortnite, and Google took on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Who wants what and why? And facemasks — can a simple piece of cloth over your mouth up-end the billions of dollars spent globally on facial recognition technology?
Guests: Ariel Bogle, online technology reporter, ABC Science @arielbogl+ Cameron Wilson, reporter, Business Insider and Gizmodo Australia.
It was a time of powerful technological change: weapons, transport, fabric, energy were all put into overdrive - 75 years after the end of WWII, what are the technological advances we don’t talk about? Plus, is Tinder charging you more or less than other people? Is Trump trying to shut down Fortnite? And a major milestone for the humble computer mouse. Guests: Sarah Moran, CEO, Girl Geek Academy @SarahMoran + Peter Marks, software developer, Access Informatics @petermarxy
Happy birthday MP3 - you revolutionised music and media but you're 25! Can technology save us from death, disease, tsunamis, the earth turning into fireball? Plus, Microsoft wants to buy it, Trump wants to ban it, teenagers want to make excellent dance moves to Taylor Swift dance remixes on it… the saga of TikToc somehow got even weirder. Guests: Claire Reilly, Senior Editor, CNET + Jessie Hughes, creative technologist
The app that has somehow returned whimsy and possibly joy to the internet that's become incredibly dark of late. Why wear a fitness band when you could where a fitness ring? Plus, no one actually knows how many people are watching Australian TV - at least for several days that's been true. Guests: Jeremy Kirk, Executive Editor, Information Security Media Group @Jeremy_Kirk + Seamus Byrne, editor & host of Byteside @byteside @seamus
The Twitter hack that saw the accounts of Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, Apple and more used for a bitcoin scam. The scary thing is how the hackers did it. Plus, phones keeping track of your mental health. Can Instagram produce a Tik-Tok competitor? And the question that you’ve been burning to have answered - why have a touch screen when you can have a touch tattoo? Guests: Sarah Moran, CEO, Girl Geek Academy @SarahMoran + Nic Healey, Breakfast show host, ABC Western Plains @dr_nic
Google updates ad policy and bans stalker and spyware apps. Is mobile streaming service Quibi dead? Plus, in a nondescript government building in Canberra, sits a group tasked with protecting Australia on the digital frontier. What do you learn when you go inside Australia's cyber security HQ? Guests: Ariel Bogle, technology reporter, ABC Science @arielbogle + Peter Marks, software developer, Access Informatics @petermarxy
Uber prepares to dish out $2.65 billion on whatever-you-can-think-of delivery company. Facebook is dumping one of its experiments. How tech companies are using Hong Kong as a testing ground for relations with China. Plus, China’s most influential social media platform in the West is increasingly being tested itself. Guests: Rae Johnston, Science and Tech Editor, NITV @raejohnston + Kunal Kalro, Founder & CEO Eugene Labs @kckal
What happens when two major nations go to battle on the short, cute, video platform of TickTock, and could TickTock compete with Instagram and YouTube for all those ad dollars? Plus, the world’s most powerful new supercomputer. And why the Australian government won’t switch the COVID tracing app to the model supported Apple and Google. Guests: Jeremy Kirk, Executive Editor, Information Security Media Group @Jeremy_Kirk + Olivia Rosenman, audio producer and journalist @olivesophierose
Why are fans of Korean pop at war with Donald Trump? Why Twitter wants you to leave it a voice mail. Why we're under sustained cyber attack from China - except the government doesn't want to name China, so why say anything at all? And Apple thinks you’re not washing your hands properly. It's been a weird week in media, tech and culture. Guests: Alex McCauley, CEO StartupAus @alexmccauley + Angharad Yeo, host of ABC ME Spawn Point @angharadyeo
Why major tech companies are pulling their facial recognition software back from police. Plus, “Want to read this before retweeting?” Twitter tests a new feature that could slow down the spread of rage and viral misinformation. And deep fake faces could have major repercussions on everything from politics to porn, but one social media giant has a plan to stop them…maybe. Guests: Sarah Moran, CEO, Girl Geek Academy @SarahMoran + Peter Marks, software developer, Access Informatics @petermarxy
What role does tech play in the global protests against racism? How is it used by protestors and police? Plus, there's still a legal push to shut down piracy sites, even though the rise of streaming has largely achieved that. And which tech company wants to create digitally synthesised group selfies even though you’re socially distant? Yeah, its a thing! Guests: Rae Johnston, Science and Tech Editor, NITV @raejohnston + Nic Healey, Breakfast show host, ABC Western Plains @dr_nic
Donald Trump has wielded Twitter to command, reshape and confound the new agenda for years, but what happens when Trump and Twitter go to war? If someone defames you in a Facebook comment - who do you sue? And we’ve entered a new age of commercial space flight with Elon Musk’s SpaceX taking humans to the international space station - but what are the knock-on effects of a corporate space industry? Guests: Sarah Moran, CEO, Girl Geek Academy @SarahMoran + Ariel Bogle, online technology reporter, ABC Science @arielbogle
First there was Foxtel, then Foxtel Now, Foxtel Go, Foxtel Play and then Presto. For years Foxtel have tried to make the transition to a Netflix style streaming service - have they finally got it right with BINGE? Joe Rogan is one of the biggest podcasters on the planet. His interview show gets big names and in an exclusive deal with Spotify, Rogan will be paid megabucks. Why and will fans follow him?
Guests Seamus Byrne, writer and broadcaster of tech, future, gaming, and digital culture @seamus + Ariel Bogle, online technology reporter, ABC Science @arielbogle
Now that millions of Australians have been forced to work from home, will the way we work ever quite be the same? Also, what data was taken in attacks on My Health Record and Service NSW? And, can Quibi be salvaged? Tegan Jones, Editor, Gizmodo @Tegan_Writes + Cameron Wilson, internet reporter, BuzzFeed News Australia @cameronwilson.
From online streaming to digital tip jars to platforms like Patreon, Australian musicians are turning to the internet to survive. But will it be enough? Plus, Australia just beat the world at making music with artificial intelligence. So what does a pop song written by AI actually sound like? Hear it this week, on DTS. Guests: Caitlin Welsh, Editor, Mashable Australia @Caitlin_Welsh + Dom Alessio, Digital Export Producer, Sounds Australia @domalessio
Game of Thrones, Succession, True Detective... there's no shortage of iconic HBO shows, but how much does Foxtel need them for its new streaming service? Also, would you entrust Facebook with a messenger service for your kids? Guests: Angharad Yeo, ABC television presenter, video game critic, technology journalist and entertainer @angharadyeo + Ben Grubb, technology journalist and Homepage Editor, The Sydney Morning Herald @bengrubb
This is one of the big questions when it comes to the government's new app, but is there a simple answer? Plus, how an entire country in the South Pacific managed to lose their domain to Sweden. And Facebook launches their Zoom competitor, but is it really necessary? Guests: Ariel Bogle, online technology reporter, ABC Science @arielbogle + Nic Healey, Breakfast presenter, ABC Western Plains @dr_nic
This week on DTS, exams in the age of isolation and why students are up in arms about privacy. Plus, the Australian government will compel Google and Facebook to pay local media outlets for content, but exactly what will that look like? And how social media giants are stopping illegal gatherings. Guests: Ariel Bogle, online technology reporter, ABC Science @arielbogle + Seamus Byrne, writer and broadcaster of tech, future, gaming, and digital culture @seamus
Ever think about how many germs live on your phone? This week on DTS, we'll talk you through the best way to clean it. Plus, Australia weighs up contact tracing apps, while Google and Apple join the fray. And e-sports are getting a boon from our social isolation, but does it still suck? Guests: Tegan Jones, Editor, Gizmodo @Tegan_Writes + Matt Hopkins, Senior Native Content Manager, Pedestrian Daily @mopkins88
This week on DTS, why 5G towers around the world are being torched. Plus, we'll put Quibi under the microscope and look at just how secure your Zoom meeting really is.
Guests: Rae Johnston, Science and Technology Editor, NITV @raejohnston + Angharad Yeo, ABC television presenter, video game critic, technology journalist and entertainer @angharadyeo
Remember when going to the movies was a thing? Well this week on Download This Show we ask whether the combination of streaming and COVID-19 will be the final nail in its coffin. Plus, Singapore has signed hundreds of its citizens up with a contact tracing app to help limit the spread of the virus. But is this government surveillance gone too far? And, how faith groups are leading the way in building communities in the age of isolation. Guests: Ariel Bogle, online technology reporter, ABC Science @arielbogle + Jonno Seidler, Advertising Creative @jonnoseidler
There are too many video conferencing apps. So this week on Download This Show, which is the least worst? Plus, how well is Australian internet holding up to our socially isolated future? And, how are streaming services responding to us all being stuck in the house? Guests: Tegan Jones, Editor, Gizmodo @Tegan_Writes and Seamus Byrne, writer, broadcaster of tech, future, gaming and digital culture @seamus
This is an updated version of our episode
It’s a weird time in the world, but what role does technology play in the age of COVID-19? Also, forget roll call, schools could soon have facial recognition. And will it ever be possible to get conspiracy theories off YouTube? Guests: Nick Kwek, Technology Journalist & Filmmaker @NICKKWEK and Angharad Yeo, ABC television presenter, video game critic, technology journalist and entertainer @angharadyeo
What's the one thing we all need more of? The answer, of course, is screen time. And you're about to get it in the last place you need it. So where will these new screens be? Find out on this week's DTS. Plus, Twitter has been experimenting with a fleeting new service, but will it detoxify the platform or make it worse? And a surprising billionaire media baron is investing in fighting online misinformation - but will it actually work? Guests: Ariel Bogle, online technology reporter, ABC Science @arielbogle + Daniel Van Boom, News Editor @CNET @dvanboom
For the low, low price of $1 billion you can acquire enough shares to reshape one of the most powerful social media platforms in the world. But is it really going to be that easy? This week on DTS, the campaign to take Twitter and what it means for co-founder Jack Dorsey. Plus, in the wake of millions of dollars being raised for bushfires, should there be more flexibility around where crowd-sourced funds can go? And would you put a smart watch on your kids or grandkids? Guests: Nick Kwek, Technology Journalist & Filmmaker @NICKKWEK and Angharad Yeo, ABC television presenter, video game critic, technology journalist and entertainer @angharadyeo
It's the controversial Chinese technology giant banned from building infrastructure in countries around the world. What is it about Huawei that's generating so much heat? Plus, Twitter considers labelling 'harmfully misleading' tweets by politicians, but will it work? Also on DTS this week, is it lying if a politician's computer generates his own face speaking in another language? And Sweden road-tests a new cashless future. Guests: Rae Johnston, Science and Technology Editor, NITV @raejohnston + Daniel Van Boom, News Editor @CNET @dvanboom
This week, the messy world of electronic voting. Why are some people pushing it? And could it ever work? Plus, funny internet memes and photoshop jokes are big business for politics. US presidential candidates are buying in, but how much impact do they really have on elections? And it was the live mobile-first quiz show that was beloved by millions. So who destroyed HQ? Guests: Ariel Bogle, online technology reporter, ABC Science @arielbogle + Brad Esposito, director of content at Eucalyptus @bradesposito
How a German artist and his generous friends pulled off a Google Maps hack and fake traffic jam. Plus the things that go wrong when you use tech to prove a person’s gender and how long until we have an academy awards for streaming services? Do we want that? Guests: Olivia Rosenman, audio producer, @olivesophierose + Luke Hopewell, Editor, Telstra Exchange @lukehopewell
According to a friend of a friend of a person on Facebook, coronavirus is a biological weapon leaked from a lab in Wuhan, it could also be stolen from a lab in Canada and a vaccine exists, but it's being withheld. How are social platforms tackling online misinformation? Plus, a social network for the rich and Spotify's plan to change the way you listen to radio. Guests: Sarah Moran, Co-Founder and CEO, Girl Geek Academy @SarahMoran + Daniel Van Boom, News editor @CNET @dvanboom
He's one of the richest people in the world, commands a shopping empire and funds rockets to Mars - how did Jeff Bezos' phone get hacked? Social media may not be rotting your brain and mental health as much as once thought. Plus, are your baby photos accessible on the internet? Guests: Jeremy Kirk, Information Security Media Group @jeremy_kirk + Rae Johnston, Science and Technology Editor, NITV @raejohnston
Would you pay money for Quibi, a mobile video streaming service with 10 minute episodes made only for phones? Plus, the Australian facial recognition tech that's allowing US police forces to match photos of unknown people to their online images. And can you use a video game to make war less abusive? Guests: Ariel Bogle Online Technology Reporter, ABC Science @arielbogle Tegan Jones, Editor Gizmodo @Tegan_Writes
The mystery 5 letter acronym that saved billionaire Elon Musk from being sued and what this test case means for social media and terrible jokes.
The founder of Twitter decides to make Africa fight over him, and the biggest technology stories of 2019. Guests: Rae Johnston, Science & Technology Editor NITV @raejohnston and Seamus Byrne writer & broadcaster @seamus
Facebook builds a chatbot to help employees answer awkward questions about the company during the holidays! Is it the end of an era as Google’s co-founders move on (kinda)? China's latest moves on face recognition regulations. And we say goodbye to one of our favourite guests. Guests: Claire Reilly, CNET @reillystyley Cameron Wilson, Buzzfeed
Why have an ordinary truck when you can have a Cybertruck? Tesla unveils its futuristic new take on a truck and it goes wrong. Plus, so many podcasts in the world but what if there was a better way of finding them? Spotify reckons its got the answer. Guests: Ariel Bogle, ABC RN online technology reporter @arielbogle and Matt Hopkins, Pedestrian Daily @mopkins88
The house of mouse, Skywalker and Simpsons has arrived. So is Disney plus any good? Also on DTS, Google makes a play for a slice of the gaming pie and does anyone really need a phone that can bend into an old school flip phone?
Why does a company that rents office space need a side business making artificial waves? Plus, Netflix famously don’t give out viewing numbers but suddenly with the rise of new streaming services like Apple and Disney, they're about to change their tune.
Guests: Claire Reilly, CNET @reillystyley and Ben Grubb Homepage Editor, The Sydney Morning Herald @bengrubb
What does a soviet controlled moon, a toxic daytime tv show and world of blind people have in common? Apple is hoping the concepts behind its new shows will entice you to sign up for the latest instalment in the streaming wars. Plus, why Google wants to buy Fitbit, and one of the cesspools of the internet may be back from the dead. Guests: Rae Johnston, editor Junkee @raejohnston and Tegan Jones, Editor, GizmodoAU @Tegan_Writes
Home Affairs has suggested using face scans to check people's age before they watch online pornography and access some gambling sites. The launch of digital drivers licences in NSW, Google in court and Twitter just decided to do something that Facebook have refused to do.
Guests: Ariel Bogle, online technology reporter ABC RN science @arielbogle and Matt Hopkins, Pedestrian Daily @mopkins88
Lying as a politician on Facebook is totally fine...wait, what? Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg defends the social network's decision to let politicians lie in ads.
Also, inside the creepy world of stalker apps and what if you could move your Instagram account to a whole new app?
Guests: Rae Johnston, Editor of Junkee @raejohnston and CNET Senior Editor & Presenter @reillystyley
The news business. From subscription to streaming, podcasts to programmatic advertising - what's the future for news media?
Guests: Gautam Mishra, inkl CEO, @jeamish and Caitlin Welsh, Editor, Mashable Australia, @Caitlin_Welsh
After this year's image of a black hole, 'we have seen what we thought was unseeable', what could come next? Exploration of the Moon and Mars, a Space Force? This week we delve into the future of the final frontier. Guests: Prof Alan R Duffy, Swinburne astronomer and Lead Scientist of the Royal Institution of Australia @astroduff and Claire Reilly, Senior Editor, CNET @reillystyley
Understanding the multi-billion dollar digital influencing industry with Sara McCorquodale - when it works and when it doesn’t. Whether Facebook and Instagram removing likes is really about giving you better mental health.
Plus, virtual clothes shopping and Apple's new premium news service.
Nothing less than actual telekinesis! A wristband capable of transmitting electrical signals from the brain to computer input and Facebook. The location start-up that divides the globe into 3 magical words, and a goose that's shaking up the gaming world. Guests: Jessie Hughes, VR expert and creative technologist and Claire Reilly, Senior Editor CNET @reillystyley
Facebook reveals its blueprint for an independent oversight board or 'supreme court'. E-sports - marketers are targeting gamers with a trifecta of gambling, junk food and alcohol ads.
Plus, how much plastic surgery will it take for facial recognition to not work? There’s at least one woman in China who can answer that.
Guests: Ariel Bogle and Daniel Van Boom
Why Apple TV is launching its streaming service with shows from Oprah, Steven Spielberg, Reese Witherspoon and more.
Plus, why does a new phone need 4 cameras, and forget The Bachelor - Facebook have rolled out their dating service.
Do you trust the that your Phone hasn’t been hacked? That the government will pull hateful material off the internet? While we’re at it, do you trust that pulling hateful content off the internet will stop atrocities like the Christchurch shooting?
Close your eyes, cross your arms fall backwards into the week of media, technology and culture.
Guests: Peter Marks GovHack @petermarxy and Ariel Bogle technology reporter ABC Science @arielbogle
There's more music than ever before available to stream and to be served up to you by an algorithm. It's a world where talent will get you far, but going viral may just get you further.
We can stream huge festivals like Coachella, and soon there’ll be arena extravaganzas with holograms of long dead musicians…What more lies ahead?
A new clothing line lets you camouflage yourself as a car to mess with surveillance cameras. Teenagers get news from Facebook – who knew! And more streaming options with Disney+.
Guests: Tegan Jones, Editor, Gizmodo @Tegan_Writes and Matt Hopkins, Pedestrian.tv
Is messaging just not festive enough? DTS looks at the new video chat app Houseparty - you can create 'rooms' with friends. How does it compare with other message apps? Plus Facebook may or may not be listening to your voice-to-text messages but podcast producers do really want to hear from you and your data.
Donald Trump linked the recent US shootings to violent video games....we explore that old bogeyman again. Why do websites end with .com? And meet some of the little known women who brought you the internet. Guests: Alex McCauley, CEO StartupAUS @alexmccauley Rae Johnston, Editor Junkee @raejohnston and Claire L. Evans, author of Broad Band: The Untold Story of the Women Who Made the Internet
Payday for young gamers at the Fortnite World Cup - how did a battle royale game become such big business? Legislating against social media addictions and why Adelaide is a thriving centre for games development.
What is the emoji? The Unicode Consortium, which decides on new emojis, wants to know if you have an idea for a new one.
Plus, Snapchat is alive and well - put some bunny ears on that profit statement! And how will Netflix handle its new big competitors?
The legacy of the computer password, the app that will plausibly age your face to the point that it's kinda creepy and influencers of Instagram in mild revolt as the social platform kills of the visible 'like' counter. Guests: Rae Johnston, Editor, Junkee @raejohnston and Ariel Bogle, Technology Reporter, ABC Science @arielbogle
The future of driving: AI in the driver's seat, electric and hydrogen car update, and will we own cars anyway? What's hype and what's not?
How much do you value your privacy? Does it bother you what social media companies, governments know about you - your money, your body?
James Griffiths joins Marc Fennell to discuss the world's most sophisticated censorship system. China's internet blocks certain information, but it also prevents any organising of social movements. It turns out, other nations are adopting China's version of the internet.
Facebook announces plans for a new global-cryptocurrency - the Libra, and joins a growing market of digital money. Can Hong Kong protestors fight facial recognition and did Instagram give up kids' phone numbers to the public?
The moderation policies, fake news, fake faces - how much of this should be allowed on the internet under the principal of free speech?
And Perth Council is pressing ahead with a trial of facial recognition technology to be installed in cameras across East Perth, despite concerns from privacy experts and local residents.
It's the software that revolutionised music, powered the iPod, and gave birth to streaming - what does the end of iTunes say about the state of music? Also on DTS: key announcements from the Apple developers conference and...the very expensive, very fast very electric new purchase from Victorian Police.
CrossFit deactivates Facebook pages over privacy concerns but deadlifts and squats go on.
Also on DTS, arguably the most obnoxious dating app on earth (slight language warning). And the WHO declares 'gaming disorder' is a medical condition at least two decades after your mum already did.
What does a spat between two beauty influencers on YouTube tell you about how toxic the internet has become?
Plus, the Chinese tech giant Huawei that’s becoming a pariah to western governments. And the troubled MacBook keyboard design… is Apple going to do something about it?
How much do political parties know about you?
The voter tracker software used by political parties to find out a lot about you. What the major parties are offering the tech and start-up world. Plus it was an iconic 90s piece of technology, in your pocket, beloved by millions, and it’s making a comeback…what is it?
Remove, reduce and inform - that’s Facebook's strategy to battle misinformation and fake news in the federal election, but even with the best of intentions can Facebook deal with troll farms and memes when they move at lighting speed?
Plus, Uber drivers strike and do you need a friendly neighbourhood social network?
Would you pay for a podcast? This week on Download This Show the launch of more paid subscription podcast services. The endless memes and happiness on the video sharing app TikTok - no snark or Nazis. Plus, Apple - protecting your security or edging out competitors?
Sri Lanka's ban on Facebook and other social media sites in the aftermath of the deadly terrorist attacks was a move to stop the spread of misinformation and further potential violence - what were the implications?
Also on DTS, are journalists being unfairly targeted on Twitter? Plus, a beloved piece of software is saved from the jaws of destruction.
Guest: Ariel Bogle, Technology reporter, ABC Science @arielbogle
Will Disney's proposed streaming service 'Disney +' knock off other players like Netflix?
Disney's back catalogue of content from Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and Pixar certainly makes it an intimidating competitor.
So will Disney+ knock off some of the less content rich players?
Also this week, inside 15 months of fresh hell at Facebook.
How a catfish posing as an Australian actor built a web of lies to stalk and torment her victims.
Also on DTS, it's only week one of the election who knew that electric vehicles would feature so much in the campaign debate? So where are we at with electric cars? How long do they take to charge how much are they and when can we get one?
New laws criminalising internet companies which do not quickly remove "abhorrent" video and images were rushed into law this week, despite strong criticism from the legal community and technology industry. Plus - VR for good. Jessie Hughes is on a Churchill fellowship exploring how VR story-telling can be a powerful tool for not-for-profits.
When you’ve built yourself up as one of the most - if not the most - iconic computing company in the world what do you do next?
You do Oprah, Steven Spielberg and everyone else in Hollywood, apparently. Apple made its trillions with hardware like MacBooks, iPods and iPhones. Now they’re pivoting into services by announcing a new Netflix challenger video streaming service, and a credit card, and a digital magazine subscription. So will the gamble pay off? Is any of it worth getting? And what does it mean for the future for how we consume?
Who's responsible when a massacre is streamed on Facebook Live?
When the media clip it up for broadcast? When people share it? When hate groups have been quietly bubbling up in corners of the internet? This week on DTS: the terrorist attack in Christchurch has raised many questions: about us, the internet and about responsibility. What role does technology and media have in making sure this never happens again? Also IGTV - Instagram's attempt to take on longer-form video platforms like YouTube and even Facebook... is it any good?
Google, Facebook and Amazon are the global internet behemoths that shape how we see the internet and how the internet sees us.
On DTS - calls to break-up the powerful tech companies. Plus hitting delete on your youth - would you ever want to delete your younger years on social media? And a genetic testing company is rolling out a controversial new type of disease prediction. Guests: Ben Grubb, Freelance tech/culture writer and Ariel Bogle, ABC RN Technology reporter
A new documentary detailing allegations of sexual abuse has prompted Michael Jackson fans to aggressively defend his reputation on social media.
When you die, how do you want to be remembered? With a headstone, photo on the mantlepiece - how about with a Bluetooth device that pings people with your life story as they walk past your grave?
This week on Download This Show: death digital style. Plus, India goes to war with WhatsApp, and Facebook’s interesting new ploy to pull you back to Facebook pages.
Why have a phone when you can have a flexible tablet and a phone in one? DTS checks out a new bit of digital origami.
Plus, Apple is set to launch the Netflix of news magazines, and we take you inside Tinder's algorithm.
Guests: Claire Reilly, Senior Editor, CNET and Matt Hopkins, Technology Editor, Pedestrian TV
Consider yourself warned, this week's ep of Download This Show contains adult themes, sexual references and robots as we explore the different ways the future of sex and artificial intelligence are linked...sometimes literally.
Plus, should we be making Instagram influencers more accountable for the products they sell?
What is it like to be the victim of a concerted, organised troll attack?
This week on DTS - the journalist who found herself at the centre of a troll storm and decided to go troll hunting. Plus, where might your DNA go if you use a direct-to-consumer DNA testing company? Well, it might end up in the hands of the FBI. And a new Harry Potter–themed cryptocurrency.
Do you ever feel just a little bit ashamed of your music taste? Well you can blame hackers.
This week on DTS: the incredible world of mystery core - fictitious bands creeping onto Spotify playlists. Why would someone make a fake band to make fake music and sneak it onto your playlists? Plus, how Buzzfeed went from the golden child of new media to laying off hundreds of employees and does Facebook want to do something stupid with your privacy? Guests: Jonathan Seidler and Claire Reilly, Senior editor, CNET
In driverless cars who needs windows to watch the world when you can have a built-in 270-degree screen?
Apple has announced it wants to compete in the video streaming service and in 2019 every meme you love might be about to die!
Guests: Rae Johnston, Editor Junkee, Ben Grubb, Freelance tech/culture writer
Cameo screws up, Tumblr crumbles on sex and while you drink will Tesla drive? Guests: Seamus Byrne, Managing Editor, Innovation Aus.com and Rae Johnston, Editor of Junkee
Why have a smart watch when you can wear a smart ring? This week on DTS; digital fitness moves to your actual digits. We examine the new Foxtel sports streaming service Kayo, and why has Australia's proposed new encryption legislation got people so fired up ?
Guests: Olivia Rosenman — audio producer & journalist & Ariel Bogle — ABC RN online technology reporter
Fortnite’s dance revolution: from the floss to the Charleston - Fortnite kids get physical.
Plus strikes at Google and "My phone is spying on me, so I decided to spy on it" - Simon Elvery's #DataLife project. Guests: Ariel Bogle, Ariel Bogle, ABC RN online technology reporter, Seamus Byrne, Managing Editor, Innovation Aus.com
If there’s one word to describe Instagram - it probably wouldn’t be authentic. This week on DTS - the platform made famous for fitness, beauty, lunch and fashion influencers is getting a clean up.
Meanwhile Facebook sounds like it needs a clean up at the top, and the blogging service TUMBLR - why has Apple pulled it from the app store? The answer is actually quite disturbing. Guests: Olivia Rosenman and Claire Reilly
Alone with a screen people tell Google things they don’t reveal to social media; they even reveal things they don’t tell anybody else.
On DTS meet Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, a data scientist who’s spent years looking at how our online searches may be reflections of our true selves. And if you’ve ever wanted to recall an email, message, or something that’s come out of your mouth - keep listening! Plus, the latest on My Health Record.
What if the key to a more diverse tech industry… is moving away from the concept of diversity?
This week on DTS: the unusual approaches being taken by Australian software company Atlassian to get a workplace that's balanced and reflects the world. Plus, how you can see through walls with Wi-Fi. Guests: Aubrey Blanche, Head of Diversity & Belonging, Atlassian, Ariel Bogle, ABC RN online technology reporter and Peter Marks, Access Infomatics.
Will Twitter kill the humble LIKE button and what exactly is the social media platform Gab?
Guests: Ariel Bogle, ABC RN online technology reporter and Rae Johnston, Editor, Junkee.
It can take less than 15 minutes for someone to steal your mobile phone and with it goes your email account, bank and a host of other services.
On Download This Show: the market for mobile numbers. Also does Netflix market to you differently based on the colour of your skin? Guests: Jeremy Kirk, Executive Editor, Information Security Media Group and Teagan Jones, Deputy Editor, Gizmodo.
You know how everyone trusts Facebook implicitly with all of their data and they’ve never done anything at all to make you question the company's commitment to privacy? How do you feel about installing Facebook's new gadget, Portal? It's a multi-purpose screen with an internet connected camera to track your movements around a room while you make a video call. Also on DTS: the death of Google Plus, Uber wants give equity to their drivers… and regrettable retweets.
Guests: Rae Johnston, Editor of Junkee, That Start-up Show and Peter Marks, Access Informatics
From drone delivery to smart screens to skin tight body suits that will measure your every inch before sending you a perfectly fitting outfit. On Download This Show this week - the future of shopping and the physical, digital and psychological tricks being used. Plus UBER wants flying cars... and frankly so do I, but should we want them?
Guests: Claire Reilly, Senior Editor, CNET and Peter Marks, Access Informatics
Poop! This week on Download This Show, why is this one word is apparently enough to confuse artificial intelligence. Plus why hasn’t virtual reality caught on yet? And can/should you leverage your kid's screen time to get them to wash the dishes?
Guests: Matt Hopkins, technology editor, Pedestrian TV and Teagan Jones, deputy editor, Gizmodo
When you see something offensive on the internet and hit report, that content goes to a person - a cleaner and they're usually in the Philippines. Meet the cleaners on DTS this week. Also 10 years of Android - it's now the most used mobile operating system in many parts of the world. Why is it so successful and what's the future for Android?
If you could introduce laws to regulate how Facebook and Twitter treat customers - what would you change? This week on DTS, the United Kingdom explores regulation to reign in social networks. What are the Brits targeting? Plus, Twitter returns to its chronological roots. And satellites, streaming and songs - why new US music laws might be changing.
We know that Russia attempted influence 2016 US presidential election through troll factories spewing out misinformation, and it turns out they’ve also targeted Australia. Find out what issue caused the troll tweets to spike in an attempt to influence voters here. Also on DTS, the EU Parliament has passed a drastic new law that could change how we use the internet and yes, Apple launched a bunch of new phones and watches.
China is looking to cut back the amount of screen time young people spend online to reduce myopia. Facebook is pulling a swathe of Myanmar cultural leaders off the platform and Google Chrome turns ten. Guests: Ariel Bogle, online technology reporter ABC RN science, and Seamus Byrne, freelance writer on technology, games, futurism, design.
Inside the initiative to give women and girls the tools, confidence and support to code. Plus Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s first ministry brings with it changes for the technology sector in Australia - the 'Innovation' portfolio has disappeared. Is anyone paying attention to our tech future? And Facebook unveils a new way to watch video online… but is it worth using?
This week on Download This Show: we explore the different ways drones are starting to proliferate our lives. And are you just a little too addicted to your phone? We have tips to cut back and control your consumption - apparently taking the colour off your phone might help.
How much would you pay to have a Harry Potter cast member wish you happy birthday? This week on DTS: Cameo's an app where you can pay for a shout out from your favourite personality. Check out the reactions. Plus we examine proposed federal reforms to provide law enforcement agencies access to your encrypted conversations and we explore the new service designed to help single parents be not so single.
On DTS this week: A big drop in the number of Snapchat users. How do you feel about retailers, banks, stadiums using knowing your face? Facial recognition is the next frontier for logging onto more things than your iPhone. What sectors are adopting facial recognition and what are the security concerns? Plus, how should Twitter tackle Infowars conspiracy theorist Alex Jones?
Award-winning Melbourne start-up Horizon State is about to trial blockchain on-line voting in Indonesia. How does it work, can it be trusted and when scaled-up to a national level, how could it affect participation? Plus, might your musical taste provide clues to retailers about what clothes you'd like to buy? Guests: Jamie Skella, Horizon State, Jeremy Kirk, Executive Editor, Information Security Media Group, Ariel Bogle, ABC RN online technology reporter
Nine swallows Fairfax in one of the biggest takeover deals in Australian media history. What does it mean for journalism, advertising and the media you consume? Also on DTS, 3D printed guns are now legal, sorta, in the United States. And why you definitely shouldn’t pretend to be Elon Musk on Twitter (I mean you probably shouldn’t any way) but there’s a very specific reason on Twitter.
Officially you have until October 15 to opt out of having a My Health Record, although some people trying to opt out have discovered they’ve already got one. So who can access your My Health Record? What’s in it? And just how easy is opting out? Plus can Spinner really micro-target the feed of your partner to influence the way they think? And can Facebook both fight fake news and defend free speech?
You know the sinking feeling...you left your phone on the car, drove off and its been run over and you didn't back it up recently because you are an idiot! This week on Download This Show: data recovery. Piecing together the bits of your machine just long enough to get your data off. Plus Elon Musk and the mini-submarine. Do you really want tech billionaires out there trying to solve problems? And ten years of the Apple app store.
It’s a bird, it’s a plane… no it’s the Chinese Government spying on you with a tiny robot plane that looks like a bird. This week on Download This Show, the People’s Republic surveillance state takes to the skies. Is Gmail really handing the keys to your Gmail account to third parties to read your emails? Plus, the United Kingdom seems to have found a new and thoroughly passive aggressive way of dobbing in bad drivers.
ACCEPT. It’s most clicked and least considered button in the digital world. The terms and conditions come up, and we press accept. Except, (with an e this time) sometimes we don’t think about information we’re handing over. This week, the ABC revealed that the doctor appointment booking app HealthEngine was passing users' data on to law firms looking for clients for personal injury claims. Plus on DTS, what country has such a bad problem with cheating students that they're shutting down the internet for 40 million people for six days? And UBER is on a charm offensive to win over the City of London - but why hasn’t it the offensive worked in Asia?
FaceMe: Get your new bank loan approved by artificial intelligence? Forget facebook chatbots and call centres - how AI is changing being a customer. Plus, why Apple is paying out $9 million, Instagram launches IG TV and has computer gaming really been proven to be addictive?
It’s not quite toy, a robot or a medical tool - it's somehow all three. This week on Download This Show we feature the beautiful IKKI and explore how to design a special companion for kids with cancer and long term illness. Also, can you now sue Google for defamation purely because of what comes up after your name in autocorrect? And the upcoming buying spree for big tech companies and media corporations. Plus, why is Uber investing in technology that can tell if you are drunk?
Hacked by Russians and out-targeted by Cambridge Analyticia - what was it like to be inside Hillary Clinton’s digital operation on election night?
This week on DTS, Stephanie Hannon was the CTO of the Clinton campaign and the loss is still pretty raw. She's recently joined fitness-tracking app Strava (after a career at both Google and Facebook).
Plus, how Amazon has played a game of chicken with the Australian tax office and we’re all the losers. And Apple announces a slew of changes coming soon to your devices.
Why is the PNG government is trying to take Facebook out of the picture and what does it mean for free speech? What sort of rules should Australia have for driverless cars? And have you wondered why every website is currently making you agree to new terms of service? Thank Europe for that. Plus, Youtube has killed the music video service VEVO, well sort of.
Can YouTube Music tackle Spotify and Apple Music? You've got Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, so what the hell is YouTube going to offer that's any different? This week on DTS: which streaming service can offer the best music plan? Plus Google's internal corporate videos are next level creepy and is it the beginning of the end for the social network Snapchat? Guests: Rae Johnston (Gizmodo Australia), Seamus Byrne (ScienceAlert)
Should Spotify pull abusers out of playlists? Spotify took a big stand this week pulling artists accused and convicted of assault out of some of their most popular playlists. Some say it's censorship, others argue that it's long overdue for streaming platforms to take a stand. Twitter rolls out changes to make trolls harder to find on time line and can the new platform Invisibly give you better quality ads (also... does anyone actually want that?) GUESTS: Rae Johnston (Gizmodo) Peter Marks (Access Informatics). INTERVIEW: Jim McKelvey (Invisibly & Square co-founder).
We celebrate the 20th birthday of the iconic iMac. Plus, why did NPR, This American Life, WNYC and WBEZ choose to buy the Adelaide start-up behind Pocket Casts?
This week on Download This Show - does the humble school permission note need a high-tech makeover? Facebook launches a dating service - no, not a joke, and when you sign up to one of those unlimited mobile data plans - guess what? There are some limitations.
Google has unveiled their new attempt to snag a bigger piece of the podcasting pile and we also explore the good, the bad and the unusual of app updates.
With the emergence of convincing, computer-generated fake human faces and voices - how can you trust anything or anyone? On Download This Show: how to defend against fake news in video and audio form, plus why Russia is trying to ban the messaging app Telegram.
This week on DTS: Mr Zuckerberg goes to Washington. In the wake of the Cambridge Analyticia scandal, what should change at Facebook?
And how rampant is the use of the stimulant Adderall in e-sports? Does the professional gaming industry need its own anti-doping agency?
Would you use a security app that could deliver alerts if there was an emergency near you? Or upload images if you witnessed something suspicious? This week: the rise of citizen safety apps; Grindr giving away information about the HIV status of individuals and the biggest thing in Swedish music since ABBA - the streaming service Spotify goes public.
You watch it on a tv screen at home, so why do Netflix movies get nominated for Oscars and not Emmys?
It’s been called one of the most effective political weapons of the information age - Download This Show unpacks how Cambridge Analytica accessed and allegedly kept data profiles of over 50 million users and why the Trump campaign paid them nearly 6 million dollars. Plus, the first pedestrian fatality of driverless cars - is the technology moving too fast?
Recorded live at REMIX SYDNEY, we’ve brought these diverse organisations together to work out how money making in the modern media ecosystem is changing.
We sit down with Clancy Overell, editor of the nation's favourite satirical newspaper, The Betoota Advocate. They're starting a podcast! Plus should e-sports be in the Olympics? And millennials are apparently killing TV.
The social media app VERO sure as hell pulled it off this week, going from Instagram killer to public enemy #1. Also on DTS, the world of deep fakes technology that can make a virtual Obama say things he never would and put Wonder Woman in a sex tape she never wanted to be a part of. Plus, Apple's rumoured new iPhone.
We chat with Swinburne University's Chrystal Zhang about the new rise of supersonic plane development. We also pit 5G technology against the NBN: Which is better for you? Snapchat redesign boosts growth and we take you inside the not-at-all-dirty world of "Cryptojacking".
This week we delve into arguably Silicon Valley's most scandal-prone company. The ridesharing and food delivery service is loved by many consumers but is currently embroiled in a US lawsuit involving self-driving cars and is facing new competitors in Australia. Download also heads out to meet the cafe owner who quit UberEATS claiming that their 35 per cent take is a rort. And Susan Anderson, General Manager UberEATS operations talks us through their new changes that have made several food outlets so annoyed.
We pit the new home assistance against each other. We also examine whether your data will be better protected under new breach protection laws rolling out next month. And why Grindr is the social network that needs more respect.
Are six people REALLY looking at this item right now? Probably not. We look into the patterns that websites use to make you spend online. Plus, can Netflix fight off gargantuan potential rival streaming services from Disney and Apple. And your Facebook feed is about to change… a lot.
Recorded live at the Video Junkee 2017 Festival in Sydney, the creator of the dark animation talks about working with Netflix, crafting a show about depression in the movie business and much much more.
Online Porn producer & director Michelle Flynn and Adult Performer Lucie Bee talk about the push to make ethical adult entertainment and how technology has been changed by erotic content and how porn is changing with new digital innovations like VR and more.
Recorded at the ACMA Australian Content Conversation, Marc Fennell sits down with a team of content makers and industry experts to work out how the future of Australian Video is likely to shift. Jennifer Wilson (The Project Factory) Rosie Lourde (Starting From Now, YouTube/SBS) Mike Jones (The Kettering Incident/ABC), Andrew Peterson (YouTube Australia)
Encore Podcast Special! In his only Australian interview, we speak to the creator of the controversial and acclaimed S-TOWN series Brian Reed. Ahead of his Australian visit he speaks to us exclusively about the ethics & artistry of the blockbuster series that's now been downloaded over 40 million times. And we meet Jamie Morton, the creator of the of the wildly entertaining podcast My Dad Wrote a Porno.
Do you ever wonder what really goes on behind the scenes of movie special effects? How difficult is George Lucas to work with? Who is really in charge on a Marvel Studios production? Why do effects designers brace for a Baz Luhrmann shoot? This week we bring you a very special show recorded live at Vivid: Animal Logic, one of the pioneering Australian visual effects houses come clean on what it's like to work on Guardians of the Galaxy 2, The Lego Movie, The Great Gatsby and much, much more.
Recorded at REMIX Sydney. What are the critical factors for building a vibrant, relevant and sustainable creative nation? This session explores a range of trends, challenges and opportunities that will help us shape the future of the cultural and creative industries throughout Australia.
Marc Fennell, Claire Reilly and Peter Marks wrap up the year in media, technology and culture.
Peter Marks joins us from Japan where he has the latest on Google's machine learning technology and an inside look at YouTube's state-of-the-art Studios which are free to use for any contentmaker with over 10k followers. Olivia Rosenman and Matt Hopkins pick apart the week in NBN scandals and also Facebook's new strategy to deal with suicide. (Also, remember that if this raises and issues please call Lifeline 13 11 14)
The Room is widely regarded as one of the worst films ever made. We sit down with the co-star Greg Sestero on the eve of the release of the new biopic The Disaster Artist which recounts the epic production. Panellists Claire Reilly and Rae Johnston also talk us through Amazon's launch in Australia, Uber's new hacking problem and the complexities of Net Neutrality laws. Also, it turns out Islamic State hate Swedish radio. Who knew?
Ariel Bogle and Nic Healy join us this week to talk about digital pills and to make Marc feel better about the amount of screen time he gives his kids. And we sit down with Editor-in-chief of the Gen-Z pop culture site Punkee to talk about some of the differences in media consumption for the next generation.
Plus we examine the fallout from the recent Washington enquiry into the role Russian influence had on the 2016 election. And even Snapchat's own CEO thinks that Snapchat is too confusing.
Maxime Durant is the man tasked with the job of making sure the ancient Egypt you see in Assassin's Creed: Origins is as accurate as possible. And he takes it pretty seriously. Also this week: Is Facebook listening in on your phone conversations and we check out the best bits of PAX 2017
Netflix have long kept their viewing figures a secret but now the metrics company Neilsen reckon they've found a way to game the numbers. Plus we sit down with the CEO of the Webby Awards David-Michel Davies and we also explore whether Facebook is going to screw over every news and media organisation by drastically redesigning the news feed.
This week on the show: Shared cycle start-up oBike have seen a number of their bikes and up in a river. Is this the start-ups fault or our own? NBN complaints spike, Why Facebook bought TBH and is you Wifi Password as secure as you think it is? (spoiler alert: almost definitely not)
Thomas Schumacher is the head of Disney Theatrical productions and used to run Walt Disney Animation when it pumped out Aladdin, The Lion King, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mulan, Tarzan, Hercules and Lilo & Stitch, and worked closely with Pixar on their first five films. He talks about how the Rescuers Down Under proved to be an unsung hero in the development of Computer Animation and also about the challenges of diversity on a stage. Plus: Google Home's recently uncovered spying habits and is virtual reality just a bit too nerdy.
We examine the implications of a national facial recognition system. Plus we explore the latest Google hardware announcements and why did it take Yahoo! so many years to realise that 3 billion users details were compromised.
He's been accused of using the platform to incite violence and to intimidate people? Is that true? Has the world's most infamous tweeter broken the terms of use?
Should streaming services be made to deliver a certain quota of Australian content? And we review the iPhone 8 and iPhone X.
Áine Kerr leads global journalism partnerships at Facebook, overseeing a team focused on building products, tools and services for journalists and also working to improve news literacy for news consumers. Recorded live at the 2017 Storyology Conference Aine outlays Facebook's plans to tackle fake news, tools for journalists and publishers before taking questions from Marc Fennell.
(Image Courtesy of Walkley Foundation)
Dan Siroker was a product manager at Google and the Director of Analytics on the 2008 Obama campaign. He's gone on to found found Optimizely, a service that allows organisations to experiment and personalise websites and apps for each viewer. He argues that we need to experiment more in the media. Plus we examine the immediate future of Articificial Intelligence and speculate wildly about the new iPhone because, well, it's September and that's what we do.
Why did the huge american television network buy the Ten Network? What will the arrival of CBS All Access mean to the Australian Market? We also explore the world of ticket resellers & dream up major changes to YouTube
As US webservices companies increasingly refuse to host neo-nazi and alt-right websites, where is the line between censorship and taking a moral stand? Plus can the new Samsung Note 8 make people forget about their exploding phone scandal? And just how afraid should Coles and Woolies be about the impending arrival of Amazon in Australia.
Recorded live at the Video Junkee 2017 Festival in Sydney, the creator of the dark animation talks about working with Netflix, crafting a show about depression in the movie business and much much more.
Plus, we meet Jim Louderback from VidCon: A festival for the new generation of Video content makers across YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat and beyond.
We sit down with the team from Acast who are looking to find new ways of monetising podcasts. We also talk about how VPN's are slowly being shut down all around the world (ok, fine, China and Russia, mostly) We also examine the changing demographics of Australian Gamers.
How did Foxtel handle the massive influx of attention that the new season of Game of Thrones would get? And what do the Government intend to do with your supposedly secure communication?
Will Elon Musk's South Australian Battery gamble play that big a role in our energy future? We also pour over new Pew research into online abuse and does Spotify have a problem with #FakeMusic (as Trump would say)
So what can you actually buy on the dark net? Also what actually is the dark net? And why are people's Medicare numbers turning up on there? Plus we meet Whooshkaa Founder and CEO Rob Loewenthal to talk about how AI and targeted advertising may be the future of radio and podcasting.
Why are you about to start paying a little more for your Netflix? Is Ether the new Bitcoin and we meet Tony Abrahams who AI Media who may provide the missing link that will make Facebook Live videos more usable: live captions.
Do you ever wonder what really goes on behind the scenes of movie special effects? How difficult is George Lucas to work with? Who is really in charge on a Marvel Studios production? Why do effects designers brace for a Baz Luhrmann shoot? This week we bring you a very special show recorded live at Vivid: Animal Logic, one of the pioneering Australian visual effects houses come clean on what it's like to work on Guardians of the Galaxy 2, The Lego Movie, The Great Gatsby and much, much more.
Eric Nuzum, Audible's Original Programming Chief talks about their plans to make audio storytelling that breaks the mould. We also mull over what went wrong with Network Ten.
Foxtel CEO Peter Tonagh exclusively unveils their brand new streaming offering Foxtel Now along with a dramatic redesign for Australia's only subscription TV provider. He sits down to talk about Foxtel's controversial approach to dealing with piracy, their relationship with HBO, the failed experiment with Presto, whether their stake in Network Ten has been more trouble than it's worth, new media ownership reforms facing Canberra and whether the ABC has overstepped its charter.
Recorded at the ACMA Australian Content Conversation, Marc Fennell sits down with a team of content makers and industry experts to work out how the future of Australian Video is likely to shift. Jennifer Wilson (The Project Factory) Rosie Lourde (Starting From Now, YouTube/SBS) Mike Jones (The Kettering Incident/ABC), Andrew Peterson (YouTube Australia)
Podcast Special! In his only Australian interview, we speak to the creator of the controversial and acclaimed S-TOWN series Brian Reed. Ahead of his Australian visit he speaks to us exclusively about the ethics & artistry of the blockbuster series that's now been downloaded over 40 million times. And we meet Jamie Morton, the creator of the of the wildly entertaining podcast My Dad Wrote a Porno.
We meet the team from Slate's wildly popular podcast Slate Culture Gabfest before they bring their live show to the Sydney Writers Festival. We pull apart the WannaCry malware attack. And we meet Mark Mordue the editor of Neighbourhood: A new newspaper (yes, an actual newspaper).
Former Facebook consultant Chris Adams joins us to talk about his new app that aims to bind together Instagram, Google and much more into one platform. Plus will the Fairfax strike actually work? And we pick over the 2017 Media Reforms and the new controversy around the Netflix series '13 Reasons Why'
Chris Orfanellis (coach, Renegades) and player Justin "jks" Savage explain what life, training and winning is really like in a team of competitive Counter-Strike: Global Offensive players. They travel the world and compete for big money - but at what cost?
It is the largest, best-known (possibly only) independent women's media company in Australia. It commands millions in video views and podcasts. Creator Mia Freedman has told the story of Mama Mia in her new book "Work Strife Balance". She takes Marc through the journey from her lounge to an international media brand. What she's learnt from old and new media. What she wouldn't do again and the fine line between a great headline and bad click bait.
Jeremy Burge, founder of Emojipedia takes us inside the fascinating consortium that decide your Emoji choices.
Ash Davies (founder) and Jemma Birrell (Creative Director) of the publishing start-up Tablo.io join us to talk about wanting to create a better social and publishing network for writers.
Why are big brands deserting YouTube? We look at the video giant's mounting problem with unsavoury content and programmatic advertising. Plus Equity Crowdfunding laws have been passed across the land. We talk to Jonny Wilkinson Co-founder and Director of Equitise.
Paris Barclay has directed everything from ER, NYPD BLUE, The Good Wife, Glee and the West Wing. He also happens to be the president of the Directors Guild of America and he thinks Australian TV directors are getting a raw deal.
Thomas Romanoff, (iMotions Denmark) and Martin Brown (AFTRS, producer of Moulin Rouge) explain how eye-tracking, facial recognition, heart monitors and brain scans to truly tell how engaged TV and film audiences are.