This collaboration brings together the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B) and Australian cybersecurity leader CyberCX.

The project, titled “Securing the Internet’s Backbone: Developing an Australia-India Framework for Strengthening Submarine Cable Connectivity, Resilience, and Supply Chains,” is spearheaded by AII Research Fellow Samuel Bashfield.

Bashfield is expert on Indo-Pacific security and defence policy with ten years’ experience as an author, researcher, consultant and project manager, delivering insights and dialogue on our most pressing national security challenges.

Bashfield emphasised the crucial role of submarine cables, which handle nearly 99% of global internet traffic and are essential to digital communication.

“Submarine cable networks form the backbone of modern digital information flows,” he added.

“As these networks expand, the need to protect and enhance their resilience has become even more urgent.”

This project was selected in round four of DFAT’s AICCTP funding and underscores Australia and India’s shared dedication to cybersecurity and critical technology.

The initiative will produce policy-focused publications and culminate in a “1.5 Track Dialogue” in Perth in 2025, gathering leaders from government, industry, and academia to strengthen digital infrastructure resilience.

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In a video message shared from 260 miles above Earth, Williams expressed her unique experience of observing Diwali from space. The Indian-origin astronaut reminisced about her father’s efforts to maintain cultural roots by teaching her and her family about Indian traditions, including Diwali.

“Greetings from the ISS,” Williams began.

“I want to extend my warmest wishes for a Happy Diwali to everyone celebrating today at the White House and around the world.”

She shared how this year she had the rare opportunity to observe the festival of lights from orbit, reflecting on the meaning of Diwali and its message of hope and renewal. Williams also acknowledged the significance of the festival, stating, “Diwali is a time of joy as goodness in the world prevails.” She emphasised that the festival symbolises hope, light, and the triumph of good over evil.

The astronaut also expressed her gratitude to US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for participating in the Diwali festivities and recognising the contributions of the community. “Thank you to the President and the Vice President for celebrating Diwali with our community today and for recognising the many contributions of our community,” she said.

Williams’s message was especially poignant, coinciding with the Diwali celebration held at the White House, an event that further underscored the recognition of Indian culture and its growing prominence in the United States.

Notably, Sunita Williams has been stationed on the ISS alongside fellow astronaut Butch Willmore since June. The two launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft on June 5 for its first crewed flight, arriving at the space station on June 6.

Though a decision was later made to return the Starliner to Earth without its crew due to safety concerns, Williams and Wilmore have continued their mission aboard the ISS. The crew’s return is scheduled for February next year, marking an extension of what was originally planned to be a week-long mission into an eight-month expedition.

Williams’s Diwali message from space has resonated with many across the globe, serving as a reminder of cultural unity and the ongoing contributions of Indian-origin individuals to the field of space exploration.

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Established in 2002 and organised every two years, the ICLGG series aims to advance legume research and promote strategies that prioritise environmental sustainability.

“The aim of the conference is to share the latest breakthroughs in legume genetics and genomics that are revealing the molecular basis of important biological processes and plant traits for sustainable agriculture.”

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) based in Delhi, India, having hosted previous editions of the conference, continues to be a key player in this initiative.

This year, ICRISAT scientists presented groundbreaking research on machine-harvestable, disease-resistant chickpeas, the world’s first pigeonpea hybrids, and high oleic acid peanuts.

“For over five decades, ICRISAT has been at the forefront of innovative legume science,” said Dr Stanford Blade, Deputy Director General-Research at ICRISAT.

“As we face the dual challenge of climate change and feeding a growing global population, our research will play a crucial role in enhancing food security and promoting sustainable management of natural resources.”

Legumes, such as chickpea, pigeonpea, and groundnut, are vital to sustainable agriculture, providing high-protein food while reducing greenhouse gas emissions through their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. ICRISAT’s research aims to enhance these qualities, making legumes more resilient in the face of climate change.

At the conference, ICRISAT researchers shared key insights on advances in structural and functional genomics, legume evolution, beneficial plant symbioses, and plant defences against stress. These developments are expected to shape future research efforts toward legume genetic improvement.

ICRISAT’s ongoing efforts align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2, 13, and 17, addressing issues such as hunger, climate action, and fostering global partnerships.

For over 50 years, ICRISAT has been a leader in dryland agriculture, pioneering cost-effective solutions for farmers facing climate-related challenges. From developing the world’s first pigeonpea hybrid to Africa’s first biofortified pearl millet, ICRISAT continues to make significant strides in improving food security for millions of people living in some of the world’s most challenging agricultural regions.

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These fellowships, part of the Australia India Women Researchers’ Exchange (AIWE) Program, were announced today during the Australia India Education and Skills Council meeting. The event was attended by Indian Minister of Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, and Australian Minister for Education, Jason Clare.

The AIWE Program, led by the Australia India Institute and funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, aims to enhance collaboration between Australia and India while promoting gender equity in STEM fields.

The selected fellows, all early-career researchers from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in India, will undertake a 6 to 8-week research exchange in Australia:

• Dr Blessy Babukutty from Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, will work with Federation University to develop a novel membrane made from seaweed to improve the sustainability of fuel cell technology.
• Dr M. Dhanalakshmi from Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University will collaborate with The University of Sydney, applying advanced mathematical modelling to enhance rabies control in India’s free-roaming dog populations.
• Dr Anshida Mayeen from Cochin University of Science and Technology will join forces with James Cook University to develop advanced dermal patches aimed at treating complex and chronic wounds.
• Dr Shreya Singh from Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, will work with the University of Newcastle on bio-inspired seed coatings to boost crop resilience in drought conditions.
• Dr Sonia Singh from Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal, will partner with the University of New England to investigate the effects of elevated CO₂ on tomato plants, focusing on the relationship between leaf respiration and tomato yield.

Lisa Singh, CEO of the Australia India Institute, emphasised the importance of investing in women researchers to foster innovation in STEM fields.

“By supporting women researchers through the AIWE Program, we are promoting gender equality and enriching the quality and diversity of STEM research,” she stated.

“We look forward to welcoming these talented women to Australia and witnessing the impactful research that will emerge from these fellowships.”

The AIWE Program offers ten fellowships for early-career postdoctoral researchers in STEM disciplines. Each fellowship will facilitate a 6 to 8-week research exchange between Australia and India, with completion expected by 31 May 2025.

Australian women researchers will also benefit from similar opportunities to engage with their Indian counterparts.

This initiative aligns with Australia’s Education Strategy for India, which prioritises research collaboration and strengthening bilateral education links.

During the 2023 Australia India Education and Skills Council meeting, both education ministers acknowledged the critical role that empowering women and girls plays in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Minister Pradhan’s visit to Australia, coinciding with the second AIESC meeting, which aims to bolster education and skills connections between the two nations. Discussions revolved around Australia’s research strengths and industry engagement models that support innovation and economic growth.

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Launched in Apia, Samoa, on 22 October by Prime Minister Afioga Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa, the academy aims to amplify the region’s scientific voice on pressing global issues, including climate change and environmental sustainability.

Speaking at an official event during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), Prime Minister Mata’afa hailed the academy as a crucial step towards fostering international collaboration, stating,

“Today’s challenges transcend borders. They require cooperation among scientists and experts across disciplines to curate knowledge that informs public policy and guides action.”

The academy’s twelve Foundation Fellows, drawn from across the Pacific, represent the region’s best and brightest scientific minds.

Among them is Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau, Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific at the University of Auckland, who expressed her pride in the academy’s creation.

“Until now, the Pacific had yet to establish an internationally recognised body of scientists. Now we have the opportunity to bring Pacific scholars together to nurture future generations, which can only be a positive development.”

Professor Tiatia-Siau highlighted the importance of increasing visibility for Pacific-led research and addressing challenges unique to the region.

“The Pacific Academy of Sciences will certainly increase the visibility of Pacific-led research and showcase our scholarly talent across the sciences and academia. The potential for impact is enormous.”

The academy’s formation responds to long-standing gaps in scientific infrastructure in the Pacific. With the establishment of the academy, there is now a dedicated platform to promote evidence-based research and foster a pipeline of emerging scientists who can contribute to regional and global decision-making.

Sir Peter Gluckman, President of the International Science Council and the first honorary fellow of the Pacific Academy of Sciences, emphasised the critical role the academy will play in addressing global scientific challenges.

“We truly welcome you into the fellowship of academies and global scientific bodies. We want you to bring a strong Pacific voice to global scientific issues.”

The Pacific Academy of Sciences will promote the study and application of natural and social sciences, humanities, Indigenous knowledge systems, and technology, for the benefit of the Pacific region and beyond.

The University of the South Pacific (USP) congratulated Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Education), Prof. Jito Vanualailai, on his election as a Foundation Fellow of the newly established Pacific Academy of Sciences.

The Academy will provide a platform for regional scholars to collaborate on research programmes and offer science-based advice to support the Pacific Islands and other regions of the world in addressing their most pressing needs.

Foundation Fellow and newly appointed academy president, Prof. Teatulohi Matainaho from Papua New Guinea, outlined the academy’s commitment to supporting young scientists in the Pacific.

“The academy will provide mentorship and foster collaboration between peers regionally and globally, creating opportunities for career development for our young people.”

As the governing council of the academy prepares for its first meeting, there is a palpable sense of anticipation about what lies ahead for Pacific science. Prime Minister Mata’afa summed up the moment with optimism,

“Now, more than ever, the Pacific Islands have a mechanism to draw on our region’s unique knowledge and influence global decisions for the benefit of all.”

The newly established Pacific Academy of Sciences joins a global network of learned academies, such as the Australian Academy of Science and New Zealand’s Royal Society Te Apārangi, which supported the academy’s formation alongside the Sasakawa Peace Foundation.

The launch has been facilitated by the National University of Sāmoa and the International Science Council Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific, led by the Australian Academy of Science with the support of the Royal Society of New Zealand Te Apārangi and Sasakawa Peace Foundation.

The academy will be based in Samoa and supported by a small secretariat to manage its operations. It will serve as a hub for scholars, researchers, experts, and Indigenous knowledge holders across diverse scientific and humanities disciplines, providing a platform for collaboration and contributing science advice to global and regional efforts.

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The CSO30 Awards, held annually in Sydney alongside the CIO50 Awards, celebrate leading cybersecurity professionals and teams for their innovative and impactful work in safeguarding businesses.

The awards recognise transformation and innovation, driven by 50 CIOs and 30 CSOs from across Australia’s diverse industries.

Nominees are evaluated based on their contributions to cybersecurity and resilience within their enterprises, as well as their influence on stakeholders and the broader cybersecurity community.

Nair took top honours in the Business Value category for his proactive cybersecurity initiatives during his tenure at the NSW Electoral Commission. He was recognised for implementing forward-thinking strategies to safeguard electoral systems from cyber threats.

Reflecting on the achievement, Nair said in a statement on LinkedIn,

“I am incredibly honoured to have been named among the Top 30 honourees, alongside esteemed colleagues and friends. To my great surprise, I was further recognised as the winner of Top Award for Business Value—a moment I will never forget!”

Nair attributed the success to his team’s collaboration and the trust placed in him by his superiors. “This award is a testament to the trust and collaboration of my incredible team, as well as the confidence my seniors placed in my abilities,” he shared, emphasising his belief that cybersecurity is essential to business success.

Nair highlighted the significance of cybersecurity in a digital-first world, where risk management is key to driving commercial success. “Businesses thrive when they can rely on cost-effective, consistent, and forward-thinking cybersecurity practices that enable risk-aware decisions,” he added.

“It reaffirms my belief that cybersecurity must be seen as a Business Value Creator—not just a service provider.”

He also expressed gratitude to the judging panel for recognising his contributions and thanked his family for their unwavering support. “This award is as much theirs as it is mine,” Nair said, looking forward to continuing his work and sharing knowledge within the cybersecurity community.

Joshi has once again been named among Australia’s top cybersecurity leaders – his third consecutive year recognition.

Joshi, known for his impactful work in the cybersecurity field, expressed his gratitude and excitement in a LinkedIn post, calling the recognition a milestone that reflects the trust and belief placed in him by key industry stakeholders.

“It’s so fulfilling to be recognised again among Australia’s top cybersecurity leaders, this time with my third consecutive CSO30 Award! Doing it once was hard enough, twice was amazing, and words don’t do justice to the three-peat!”

Joshi highlighted how each award has been special, particularly as it marks his journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship.

Joshi’s achievements underscore his extensive influence across a range of sectors, including government, critical infrastructure, and financial services.

“This achievement is definitely not just a personal milestone—it reflects the ongoing trust and belief placed in me by executives, boards, and decision-makers across multiple sectors,” he said, acknowledging that their support has driven his success.

Joshi also extended his thanks to the CISO community, his family, and IDC Foundry Events Asia Pacific for their work supporting the cyber industry.

Despite the accolades, Joshi remains grounded and focused on the challenges ahead.

“I’ll give myself a few moments to celebrate, knowing fully well that the work continues, and collectively we’ll tackle the exciting challenges ahead as we continue to shape the future of cyber resilience.”

The event also recognised emerging talent in the cybersecurity field, with Kiran Bangalore as a finalist in the Next CISO Award category.

As Australia’s cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, leaders like Vishwanath Nair, Chirag Joshi, Kiran Bangalore and the other awardees are playing an essential role in shaping a resilient digital future.

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The Albanese government today introduced long-awaited legislation to parliament which is set to revolutionise Australia’s cyber security preparedness.

The legislation, if passed, will be Australia’s first standalone cyber security act. It’s aimed at protecting businesses and consumers from the rising tide of cyber crime.

So what are the key provisions, and will it be enough?

What’s in the new laws?

The new laws have a strong focus on victims of “ransomware” – malicious software cyber criminals use to block access to crucial files or data until a ransom has been paid.

People who pay a ransom do not always regain lost data. The payments also sustain the hacker’s business model.

Under the new law, victims of ransomware attacks who make payments must report the payment to authorities. This will help the government track cyber criminal activities and understand how much money is being lost to ransomware.

The laws also involve new obligations for the National Cyber Security Coordinator and Australian Signals Directorate. These obligations restrict how these two bodies can use information provided to them by businesses and industry about cyber security incidents. The government hopes this will encourage organisations to more openly share information knowing it will be safeguarded.

Separately, organisations in critical infrastructure – such as energy, transport, communications, health and finance – will be required to strengthen programs used to secure individuals’ private data.

The new legislation will also upgrade the investigative powers of the Cyber Incident Review Board. The board will conduct “no-fault” investigations after significant cyber attacks. The board will then share insights to promote improvements in cyber security practices more generally. These insights will be anonymised to ensure the identities of victims of cyber attacks aren’t publicly revealed.

The legislation will also introduce new minimum cyber security standards for all smart devices, such as watches, televisions, speakers and doorbells.

These standards will establish a baseline level of security for consumers. They will include secure default settings, unique device passwords, regular security updates and encryption of sensitive data.

This is a welcome step that will ensure everyday devices meet minimum security criteria before they can be sold in Australia.

A long-overdue step

Cyber security incidents have surged by 23% in the past financial year, to more than 94,000 reported cases. This is equivalent to one attack every six minutes.

This dramatic increase underscores the growing sophistication and frequency of cyber attacks targeting Australian businesses and individuals. It also highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive national response.

High-profile cyber attacks have further emphasised the need to strengthen Australia’s cyber security framework. The 2022 Optus data breach is perhaps the most prominent example. The breach compromised the personal information of more than 11 million Australians, alarming both the government and the public, not to mention Optus.

Cyber Security Minister Tony Burke says the Cyber Security Act is a “long-overdue step” that reflects the government’s concern about these threats.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also acknowledged recent high-profile attacks as a “wake-up call” for businesses, emphasising the need for a unified approach to cyber security.

The Australian government wants to establish Australia as a world leader in cyber security by 2030. This goal reflects the government’s acknowledgement that cyber security is fundamental to national security, economic prosperity and social well being.

Broader implications

The proposed laws will enhance national security. But they could also present challenges.

For example, even though the laws place limitations on how the National Cyber Security Coordinator and Australian Signals Directorate can use information, some businesses might still be unwilling to share confidential data because they are worried about damage to their reputation.

Businesses, especially smaller ones, will also face a substantial compliance burden as they adapt to new reporting requirements. They will also potentially need to invest more heavily in cyber security measures. This could lead to increased costs, which might ultimately be passed on to consumers.

The proposed legislation will require careful implementation to balance the needs of national security, business operations and individual privacy rights.

David Tuffley, Senior Lecturer in Applied Ethics & CyberSecurity, Griffith University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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ASPI’s report also notes the emergence of India as a global player in research and innovation. India now ranks in the top five for 45 out of 64 technologies (an increase from 37 last year), further solidifying its position as a major science and technology hub.

Meanwhile, the UK’s standing declined, with the nation dropping out of the top five in eight technologies over the past year. The US, which led in 60 of these technologies during the same period, now maintains leadership in just seven.

The findings highlight a significant shift in research influence towards large Indo-Pacific economies, especially China and India, which has made substantial strides in sectors like quantum sensors, high-performance computing, space launch, and semiconductor manufacturing.

Last year, India and Australia reached a significant milestone in their efforts to collaborate on critical minerals projects, aiming to develop robust supply chains between the two nations.

The two governments committed to enhancing their cooperation under the Australia-India Critical Minerals Investment Partnership, marking a vital step forward in securing the future of critical minerals for both nations.

Australia and India announced that five target projects have been identified—two lithium and three cobalt—on which detailed due diligence will be conducted.

This partnership is geared towards bolstering critical mineral supply chains, with Australia supplying key processed minerals that will support India’s transition towards a low-emission energy network and help fulfil its ambition to become a global manufacturing hub, especially for electric vehicles (EVs).

Australia, with its significant reserves of lithium, cobalt, and rare earths, stands at the forefront of the global supply chain for critical minerals. The demand for these resources will only rise in the coming decades, driven by the increasing need for low-emission technologies.

The collaboration between India and Australia is not only a strategic move to secure the minerals essential for green energy, but also a critical step towards diversifying global markets for clean technologies and reducing carbon emissions.

As ASPI report underscores, besides India and the UK, Germany is in the top five in 27 technologies, South Korea in 24, Italy in 15, Iran in 8, Japan also in 8 and Australia in 7. Of particular concern is China’s leadership in 24 technologies that are now classified as ‘high risk’ for future monopolies, including radar, drones, and advanced aircraft engines.

With China and the United States fighting for dominance in technology and supply chains, Australia and India’s collaboration stands as a crucial response to this competitive environment.

By combining their strengths, the two countries are poised to create a supply chain model that not only meets domestic needs but also contributes to global energy security.

India’s “Critical Minerals Mission,” announced in its 23 July budget, aims to strengthen cooperation with Australia, a key resource supplier. With India’s significant investment in Australian resources and demand for critical minerals, this initiative seeks to enhance collaboration and address potential supply chain bottlenecks.

Additionally, the establishment and funding of hubs like Monash University’s Australia-India Critical Minerals Research Hub will promote collaborative research between Indian and Australian researchers and industry leaders.

These hubs will focus on key areas such as mineral exploration, extraction, processing, and recycling, strengthening ties and advancing critical mineral research.

Looking ahead, this partnership has the potential to evolve into a cornerstone of India and Australia’s broader strategic relationship. As India emerges as a key centre of global research and innovation, particularly in technology, its collaboration with Australia in critical minerals could unlock vast opportunities for both nations.

By integrating supply chains, fostering innovation, and aligning policy goals, India and Australia can build a future-proof partnership that strengthens their economies, secures their energy transitions, and positions them as global leaders in clean energy solutions.

Further, by fostering joint ventures, incentivising innovation, and promoting sustainable practices, the India-Australia Critical Minerals Investment Partnership can become a model for international cooperation in securing the future of energy and technology.

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The sanctions target Maksim Viktorovich Yakubets, Igor Olegovich Turashev, and Aleksandr Viktorovich Ryzhenkov, who have played key roles in one of the world’s most prolific cybercrime syndicates.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong emphasised Australia’s leadership in using autonomous cyber sanctions to safeguard its citizens.

“We are using all elements of our national power to keep Australians safe and promote a rules-based cyberspace, grounded in international law,” she said.

For over a decade, Evil Corp has orchestrated major cyber incidents, including ransomware attacks across Europe, the UK, and the US, causing millions of dollars in losses and crippling critical health systems, national infrastructure, and government sectors.

The sanctions, announced today, make it a criminal offence to provide assets to these individuals or to deal with their assets. Additionally, they are barred from entering Australia. This move is part of a coordinated international effort, involving the UK and the US, to disrupt Evil Corp’s activities and deter further cybercrime.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles MP highlighted the significance of these sanctions.

“Malicious cyber actors continue to target governments, critical infrastructure, and households globally. These sanctions are an important tool in deterring cybercrime and protecting Australians,” Marles said, urging businesses and individuals to remain vigilant about their cybersecurity.

The sanctions come as Australia faces increasing ransomware threats across critical sectors, including infrastructure, government, and industry. The government urges Australians to back up data and exercise caution online, while also discouraging the payment of ransoms to cybercriminals.

Minister for Cyber Security Tony Burke MP reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening Australia’s cyber defences.

“These sanctions are another example of our commitment to working with international partners to dismantle criminal organisations built on ransomware,” Burke stated.

Victims of ransomware attacks are advised to contact the Australian Signals Directorate via the Cyber Security Hotline or file a report online, while more information is available on the Australian Signals Directorate’s Ransomware page.

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It’s almost two years since ChatGPT burst onto the scene in late 2022. Since then, educators worldwide have been grappling with what generative artificial intelligence might mean for classrooms and learning.

ChatGPT has been met with both anxiety and a sense of optimism. While there has been a lot of discussion about what is happening in universities, there has been less attention given to schools.

We have been looking at trials of AI in schools in South Australia. Here’s what we found.

What has happened so far in Australia?

Most Australian states initially banned ChatGPT and other generative AI tools in government schools (many private schools have been using the technology).

In a different approach, the SA government began a trial of AI in schools in 2023 with its own tool, EdChat.

Other jurisdictions have since reconsidered their stance. For example, at the start of 2024, New South Wales began trialling its own AI tool.

In November 2023, the federal government also published a framework for generative AI in schools, which said AI has “great potential” to help teachers and students, and to reduce administrative workloads.

Last month, a federal parliamentary inquiry recommended generative AI in schools should be a “national priority”, finding the benefits of AI outweigh its significant risks and challenges.

What happened in South Australia?

EdChat is a generative AI tool owned by the SA Department for Education, which was designed with Microsoft. It can be used in classrooms and at home. According to the department, it has “extra safety features” to protect students’ privacy and stop them accessing inappropriate content.

In the first phase of the trial, EdChat was used in eight SA government high schools for eight weeks. In the second phase, a further eight schools were included.

We have been evaluating the trial using survey data from about 90 teachers and 700 students. A journal article on this work is currently under review. In this article, we speak about our results from teachers.

‘It reduces time pressure’

Teachers told us they felt safer using EdChat than other tools such as ChatGPT, because student data is not being used to train generative AI models.

However, teachers still wanted to know more about how the student data is stored and who can access EdChat records.

Teachers also reported significant benefits of the tool. They said it helped save time developing lesson plans and learning materials – allowing for more time with students in the classroom.

One teacher told us how the tool had been adopted by the class.

We nicknamed it Eddy as a class and Eddy is now embedded as part of our class culture.

Teachers also used EdChat to provide personalised learning activities to students and “reduce time pressure and brain power required to create [teaching examples] and plan fun activities”. EdChat also allowed students to get personalised feedback or support when teachers were not around.

‘We need to be careful’

Teachers noted issues with hallucinations (when the AI comes up with nonsense) and incorrect information. This means students need to have the skills to recognise this.

As one teacher told us:

I think we need to be careful since students can treat AI like how they treat anything on the internet, without any critical thinking and taking it at face value.

They also said students need to learn to write better prompts and develop their critical thinking skills for working with AI.

They said content filters could also be challenging. While designed to keep students safe, they sometimes interfered with learning, especially for sensitive topics such as history, reproductive health or politics. For example, one history teacher said the “censorship was difficult to get around”.

Teachers also said it was more difficult to work out whether students’ work was plagiarised or not.

What happens now?

The SA government is looking at ways to expand the use of EdChat in schools.

Our research suggests we need to do more work in several areas.

The first is specific education for students around how to use AI critically and effectively.

We also need more research now about how AI is being used in different schools. There are no large-scale studies yet in Australia but there is growing evidence from other parts of the world, such as Estonia, the United States and United Kingdom, which show AI is significantly changing the way teachers are teaching. This includes spending more time on students’ critical thinking skills and using AI to generate ideas.

We also need to make sure all students can gain access to AI (not just those who can afford the technology) and that the AI itself it not biased against minorities.

Meanwhile, teachers need more support and professional development, and schools need help to plan and make changes. This includes a wider community awareness of the profound effects these new technologies are having and will have on the teaching profession and student learning.

Vitomir Kovanovic, Associate Professor and Associate Director of the Centre for Change and Complexity in Learning (C3L), Education Futures, University of South Australia; Maarten de Laat, Professor of Augmented and Networked Learning, Director Centre for Change and Complexity in Learning (C3L), Academic Lead AI for LIFE CRC bid development, Education Futures, University of South Australia, and Rebecca Marrone, Lecturer Learning Sciences and Development, The Centre for Change and Complexity in Learning (C3L), Education Futures, University of South Australia

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Have you noticed certain words and phrases popping up everywhere lately?

Phrases such as “delve into” and “navigate the landscape” seem to feature in everything from social media posts to news articles and academic publications. They may sound fancy, but their overuse can make a text feel monotonous and repetitive.

This trend may be linked to the increasing use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT and other large language models (LLMs). These tools are designed to make writing easier by offering suggestions based on patterns in the text they were trained on.

However, these patterns can lead to the overuse of certain stylistic words and phrases, resulting in works that don’t closely resemble genuine human writing.

The rise of stylistic language

Generative AI tools are trained on vast amounts of text from various sources. As such, they tend to favour the most common words and phrases in their outputs.

Since ChatGPT’s release, the use of words such as “delves”, “showcasing”, “underscores”, “pivotal”, “realm” and “meticulous” has surged in academic writing.

And although most of the research has looked specifically at academic writing, the stylistic language trend has appeared in various other forms of writing, including student essays and school applications. As one editor told Forbes, “tapestry” is a particularly common offending term in cases where AI was used to write a draft:

I no longer believe there’s a way to innocently use the word ‘tapestry’ in an essay; if the word ‘tapestry’ appears, it was generated by ChatGPT.

Why it’s a problem

The overuse of certain words and phrases leads to writing losing its personal touch. It becomes harder to distinguish between individual voices and perspectives and everything takes on a robotic undertone.

Also, words such as “revolutionise” or “intriguing” – while they might seem like they’re giving you a more polished product – can actually make writing harder to understand.

Stylish and/or flowery language doesn’t communicate ideas as effectively as clear and straightforward language. Beyond this, one study found simple and precise words not only enhance comprehension, but also make the writer appear more intelligent.

Lastly, the overuse of stylistic words can make writing boring. Writing should be engaging and varied; relying on a few buzzwords will lead to readers tuning out.

There’s currently no research that can give us an exact list of the most common stylistic words used by ChatGPT; this would require an exhaustive analysis of every output ever generated. That said, here’s what ChatGPT itself presented when asked the question.

Possible solutions

So how can we fix this? Here are some ideas:

1. Be aware of repetition

If you’re using a tool such as ChatGPT, pay attention to how often certain words or phrases come up. If you notice the same terms appearing again and again, try switching them out for simpler and/or more original language. Instead of saying “delve into” you could just say “explore”, or “look at it closely”.

2. Ask for clear language

Much of what you get out of ChatGPT will come down to the specific prompt you give it. If you don’t want complex language, try asking it to “write clearly, without using complex words”.

3. Edit your work

ChatGPT can be a helpful starting point for writing many different types of text, but editing its outputs remains important. By reviewing and changing certain words and phrases, you can still add your own voice to the output.

Being creative with synonyms is one way to do this. You could use a thesaurus, or think more carefully about what you’re trying to communicate in your text – and how you might do this in a new way.

4. Customise AI settings

Many AI tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot and Claude allow you to adjust the writing style through settings or tailored prompts. For example, you can prioritise clarity and simplicity, or create an exclusion list to avoid certain words.

By being more mindful of how we use generative AI and making an effort to write with clarity and originality, we can avoid falling into the AI style trap.

In the end, writing should be about expressing your ideas in your own way. While ChatGPT can help, it’s up to each of us to make sure we’re saying what we really want to – and not what an AI tool tells us to.

Ritesh Chugh, Associate Professor – Information and Communications Technology, CQUniversity Australia

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Speaking at the 130th Fiji Principals’ Association Conference in Labasa, Prof. Prasad underscored the transformative impact of AI on education, urging principals to adapt to the digital era.

“We are entering a period where, for the first time in history, students will have access to more information, better information, and may become more knowledgeable than their teachers,” Prof. Prasad said.

He further noted that many principals have already observed students digitally fact-checking their teachers, highlighting the generation’s natural adaptation to AI tools.

Prof. Prasad, drawing on his background as a university professor, stressed that many jobs for which students are currently being trained may cease to exist in the coming decades, potentially replaced by AI technologies.

“Large language models and similar AI innovations are going to profoundly change the world, and by the time today’s students graduate, some of the jobs we are training them for could be obsolete,” he warned.

The Deputy Prime Minister’s comments raise concerns about the future relevance of current educational structures.

“It is indeed possible that some subjects we teach today will become redundant in the way they are framed,” Prof. Prasad added.

Prof. Prasad, while acknowledging the challenges ahead, urged educational leaders to stay at the forefront of these developments. “We need our principals and teachers at the cutting edge to shape the education system for this new AI-driven world,” he concluded.

However, not all education experts agree that AI will outpace traditional educational methods in such a dramatic fashion. Some AI researcher believe that while AI will revolutionise access to information, it will not replace the critical thinking and mentorship that teachers provide.

Experts agree that Professor Prasad is right in pointing out that AI will likely transform the way information is delivered, but the value of personalised learning and the social aspects of education should not be overlooked.

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Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said: “This investment provides world-class aviation training locally, empowering more Fijians, especially women, to build careers in aviation.”

As per report the new CAE 7000XR Series full-flight simulators (FFS), approved by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF), surpass Level D regulatory requirements, ensuring high training standards.

The simulators are part of a major investment of approximately FJ$160 million, which includes two new CAE 7000XR full-flight simulators for Airbus A350 and ATR-72 planes, as well as two CAE 500XR Fixed Training Devices for Airbus A330 and Boeing 737-Max 8 aircraft.

These advanced training devices, which have already been installed, commissioned, and certified, mark a pivotal milestone for the Academy in providing world-class training for pilots and engineers.

Speaking at the commissioning, Fiji Airways CEO and Managing Director, Andre Viljoen, emphasised the importance of this investment.

“The addition of these full-flight simulators is a significant step forward for the Fiji Airways Aviation Academy. It reflects our commitment to delivering the highest standards of training and safety for our pilots while establishing Fiji as a leader in regional aviation excellence,” Viljoen said.

Viljoen further highlighted that the Academy, since its inception in December 2019, has been dedicated to developing local talent and providing comprehensive training solutions for a wide range of aviation needs, including pilot, cabin crew, engineering, and safety training. With these new simulators, the Academy can offer even more advanced, realistic training, simulating real-world flying conditions.

The Fiji Airways Aviation Academy has achieved numerous milestones since its launch, including supporting the training and progression of local pilots, foreign license conversions, and reintegration of Fijian pilots returning from overseas.

It is expected that the new simulators will not only cater to Fiji Airways’ internal needs but also offer additional capacity for third-party airlines, generating new revenue streams for the airline.

“The arrival of these simulators will enable our pilots and engineers to receive cutting-edge training without the need for international travel, allowing them to stay closer to their families while advancing their careers,” Viljoen added.

He also outlined the Academy’s future goals, including further expansion to become the Pacific’s preferred aviation training destination, aiming to compete globally in the commercial airline training market.

Earlier this year, Fiji Airways was named Best Airline in Australia & Pacific for the 2nd year running at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, alongside its crew winning Best Airline Staff for the 4th time.

With this new development, Fiji Airways cements its position as a leader in aviation training in the Pacific, offering top-tier facilities and training programmes that benefit not only local professionals but also the wider aviation industry.

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We are part-way through the work of the Joint Select Committee on Social Media and Australian Society. The committee’s interim report was due on August 15, but has been delayed by the previous chair’s promotion to cabinet.

So how well is the federal government regulating social media companies? This report card focuses on news and dangerous or inappropriate content.

A mixed report card

There are two critical issues here. The first is whether the social media companies are assisting in their own regulation. The second is the extent to which they are meeting their (implied) social obligations.

An example is Meta (owner of Facebook) and the eSafety commissioner. The commissioner has asked social media businesses to find out just how many Australian children are on their platforms and what measures they have in place to enforce their own age limits. For most platforms, the age limit is 13.

Meta takes the view that parents should manage their children’s Meta accounts. From a regulatory perspective, the regulated business Meta has decided that other people (parents) should enforce the self-regulatory framework designed by Meta.

In the context of age verification, the government has signalled that Meta is unable to enforce its own rules and proposes to set a new minimum age. The details of this are still unclear.

At the same time, Meta is still giving evidence that it may block news content, as it has done in Canada, if it is forced to negotiate deals with news media businesses.

In the end, the News Media Bargaining Code has worked for three years by leveraging the risk of “designation”. The minister (usually the treasurer, but currently the assistant treasurer) may designate a digital platform business if that business has a bargaining power advantage over news media businesses, but is not making a significant contribution to the sustainability of the Australian news industry. Having survived withdrawing services in Canada, Meta now takes the view that the risk is substantially mitigated.

X: could do better

Although Meta pushes back against age-verification regulation, it is generally responsive to take-down notices. This is partly because it has a team in Australia to deal with those.

X Corp (formerly Twitter) does not. The primary reason that X was shut down in Brazil is that it did not have a lawyer on whom to serve notices.

X has little in the way of presence in Australia. Regulatory enforcement requires someone to be regulated. This is the primary blot on the report card for X. It’s really difficult to assess the effectiveness of regulation without the regulated business being present.

At the heart of the problem with regulating X Corp, regardless of the country in which the regulations are applied, is the unwillingness by the owner of that business to be regulated. Conflating the removal of inappropriate content with US-centric free-speech arguments is always going to be problematic outside of the US.

Good regulation relies on at least the tolerance of being regulated.

News: alternatives available

So, if the News Media Bargaining Code is not going to be a significant mechanism for funding public-interest journalism, there needs to be another solution. One approach is to impose a digital services tax.

However, this becomes risky if it looks like a tax that is selectively applied to specific international businesses. Australia has made commitments at the OECD on ways in which it will deal with profits diverted to low-taxing countries.

The University of Sydney has proposed an alternative approach to the joint select committee: to have an industry levy on a class of businesses that provide digital content services. This could ensure Australia’s international obligations in both tax and trade are not compromised by funding public-interest journalism.

Advertising issues

Meta has strong self-regulatory policies on advertising crypto products and services. However, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has alleged that more than half of crypto ads on Facebook are scams. Given that scams are a significant problem in Australia, it’s not surprising all of the relevant regulators are concerned about this issue.

Perhaps this is one of the most important aspects of the regulatory report card. There are four relevant regulators in Australia. These are the ACCC, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) and the eSafety Commissioner. Together, they form an important, but unfunded, group called DP-REG.

This group focuses on getting regulatory coherence and clarity. It also assesses and responds to the benefits, risks and harms of technology. That is, it forms the basis for the development of stronger and multilateral regulatory responses to social media issues.

The group has the potential to look at how money flows as well as content. However, co-ordination is much easier with appropriate funding.

A coherent approach from these regulators offers the best possible potential for an improved regulatory report card.

Rob Nicholls, Senior Research Associate in Media and Communications, University of Sydney

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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The South Australian government is moving ahead with plans to ban children under 14 from social media. Under the proposal, teens aged 14 and 15 would also need parental consent to have social media accounts.

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas has flagged the consequences for social media companies that don’t comply with the new rules would be “severe and harsh”.

He discussed the proposal with other state premiers and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at a cabinet meeting last week, and is encouraging national adoption of the proposed strategy.

Malinauskas has attributed the decision to “mounting evidence” of the “adverse impact” of social media on young people. This comes despite a lack of consensus among experts, with some researchers explaining there is “not a strong evidence base” of the harms social media pose to young people.

Similar laws exist elsewhere

South Australia’s move follows similar laws introduced elsewhere. In the United States, both Florida and Texas have passed similar legislation.

Like South Australia’s proposal, Florida banned children under 14 from social media, requiring parental consent for 14- and 15-year-olds.

In Texas, all teens under 18 now need parental consent to create social media accounts. This is not without controversy, with one commentator describing this as a “misguided attempt to make the internet ‘safe’”, while introducing a law that “infringes on the rights of all Texans”.

In Spain, the minimum age for setting up a social media account increased earlier this year from 14 to 16. Technology companies were also required to install age verification and parental controls on social media and video-sharing platforms.

When South Australia first proposed its ban in May, comments from the community were swift and polarised. At the time, I examined the limitations and potential problems with the technical solutions being proposed for such a ban, including privacy concerns for managing account holders’ data.

So how will this proposed ban work?

The legislation will impose a “duty of care” on social media companies, requiring them to ban children under 14 from social media platforms.

This means Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat and other platforms would need to take “all reasonable steps” to prevent access by any South Australian child under the age of 14. They’d also have to ensure teens aged 14–15 could only access platforms with parental content.

Bans and limited access would be overseen by a state regulator. They would monitor compliance and impose sanctions, such as:

• warnings, infringement notices and fines
• court proceedings that impose corrective orders or civil penalties.

Legal action could also be taken against providers by either a regulator or parents on behalf of a child who has suffered significant mental or physical harm.

The proposed ban would also provide “exemptions” for beneficial or low-risk social media services (such as educational platforms), which are not yet identified.

What are the challenges of getting this to work?

While exemptions may relieve concerns for those opposed to an outright ban, it’s unclear how specific exemptions would be agreed upon, or how “low-risk” content would be defined.

Another significant challenge is the process by which children’s ages and parental consent mechanisms would be identified and tracked.

Age assurance and verification processes are not foolproof. They require strategies like self-reporting (which is easily circumvented), age verification by an adult (which raises privacy concerns for young people), or steps like uploading government ID (which raise data security concerns).

What is also unclear is how social media companies will respond to this latest move to force them to control platform access.

In other jurisdictions with similar bans – like Florida or Spain – these companies are notably silent. It may well be that to test the long-term viability of these bans, individuals and governments will need to take social media companies to court to prove the platforms have harmed children.

Lisa M. Given, Professor of Information Sciences & Director, Social Change Enabling Impact Platform, RMIT University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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The Australian government this week released voluntary artificial intelligence (AI) safety standards, alongside a proposals paper calling for greater regulation of the use of the fast-growing technology in high-risk situations.

The take-home message from federal Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic, was:

We need more people to use AI and to do that we need to build trust.

But why exactly do people need to trust this technology? And why exactly do more people need to use it?

AI systems are trained on incomprehensibly large data sets using advanced mathematics most people don’t understand. They produce results we have no way of verifying. Even flagship, state-of-the-art systems produce output riddled with errors.

ChatGPT appears to be growing less accurate over time. Even at its best it can’t tell you what letters are in the word “strawberry”. Meanwhile, Google’s Gemini chatbot has recommended putting glue on pizza, among other comical failures.

Given all this, public distrust of AI seems entirely reasonable. The case for using more of it seems quite weak – and also potentially dangerous.

AI risks

Much has been made of the “existential threat” of AI, and how it will lead to job losses. The harms AI presents range from the overt – such as autonomous vehicles that hit pedestrians – to the more subtle, such as AI recruitment systems that demonstrate bias against women or AI legal system tools with a bias against people of colour.

Other harms include fraud from deepfakes of coworkers and of loved ones.

Never mind that the federal government’s own recent reporting showed humans are more effective, efficient and productive than AI.

But if all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.

Technology adoption still falls into this familiar trope. AI is not always the best tool for the job. But when faced with an exciting new technology, we often use it without considering if we should.

Instead of encouraging more people to use AI, we should all learn what is a good, and not good, use of AI.

Is it the technology we need to trust – or the government?

Just what does the Australian government get from more people using AI?

One of the largest risks is the leaking of private data. These tools are collecting our private information, our intellectual property and our thoughts on a scale we have never before seen.

Much of this data, in the case of ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Otter.ai and other AI models, is not processed onshore in Australia.

These companies preach transparency, privacy and security. But it is often hard to uncover if your data is used for training their newer models, how they secure it, or what other organisations or governments have access to that data. https://www.youtube.com/embed/1Cp2gvciomU?wmode=transparent&start=0

Recently, federal Minister for Government Services, Bill Shorten, presented the government’s proposed Trust Exchange program, which raised concerns about the collection of even more data about Australian citizens. In his speech to the National Press Club, Shorten openly noted the support from large technology companies, including Google.

If data about Australians was to be collated across different technology platforms, including AI, we could see widespread mass surveillance.

But even more worryingly, we have observed the power of technology to influence politics and behaviour.

Automation bias is the terminology we use for the tendency for users to believe the technology is “smarter” then they are. Too much trust in AI poses even more risk to Australians – by encouraging more use of technology without adequate education, we could be subjecting our population to a comprehensive system of automated surveillance and control.

And although you might be able to escape this system, it would undermine social trust and cohesion and influence people without them knowing.

These factors are even more reason to regulate the use of AI, as the Australian government is now looking to do. But doing so does not have to be accompanied by a forceful encouragement to also use it.

Let’s dial down the blind hype

The topic of AI regulation is important.

The International Organisation for Standardisation has established a standard on the use and management of AI systems. Its implementation in Australia would lead to better, more well-reasoned and regulated use of AI.

This standard and others are the foundation of the government’s proposed Voluntary AI Safety standard.

What was problematic in this week’s announcement from the federal government was not the call for greater regulation, but the blind hyping of AI use.

Let’s focus on protecting Australians – not on mandating their need to use, and trust, AI.

Erica Mealy, Lecturer in Computer Science, University of the Sunshine Coast

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Partnering with Untapped Talent, the AFP’s Genius Armory Program will provide hands-on experience and mentorship to four neurodivergent individuals over a six-month period. From a pool of 16 highly capable applicants, four were selected to join the program, including two who relocated from interstate to Canberra for this unique opportunity.

Participants, aged between 19 and 41, have diverse educational backgrounds ranging from high school graduates to those pursuing tertiary education. Having begun their pre-training in June 2024, they are now set to commence their work experience on 2 September 2024, embedded within the AFP’s Cyber Security and Risk Branch.

The Genius Armory trainees will gain vital exposure to the AFP’s cybersecurity efforts, including monitoring critical systems, responding to incidents, conducting threat intelligence, and assessing risks for both new and existing systems.

Mentorship is a cornerstone of the program. The trainees have been supported by members of the AFP’s Dandelion Program Team, a recruitment initiative tailored to neurodivergent individuals. Marcus Gellel, a Dandelion Program mentor, expressed gratitude for the chance to guide others through the same process he once experienced.

“It’s rewarding to help others navigate this journey, knowing that having a mentor can make the experience much smoother,” Gellel said.

Maggie O’Connell, another Dandelion Program mentor, reflected on the importance of support when she first started at the AFP. “Having someone guide me made a huge impact on my life. I’m honoured to now be able to offer that same support to others,” she shared.

Fellow mentor Ryan Gasnier echoed the sentiment, highlighting the significance of helping trainees acclimate to their new teams. “They are eager to begin formal training, and as their mentor, I’ll ensure they understand the AFP culture, giving them the confidence to thrive in the workforce,” Gasnier said.

AFP Chief Information Security Officer Jamie King emphasised the organisation’s commitment to diversifying its cyber talent pool and nurturing future cybersecurity professionals.

“The Genius Armory program provides neurodivergent individuals with the support and resources they need to explore careers with the AFP,” King said. “Many in the neurodivergent community have an excellent memory, attention to detail, and a natural curiosity – all attributes that are highly valued in the cybersecurity industry.”

King added that the AFP aims to help trainees enhance their cyber skills and knowledge, setting them up for future success in the field.

The Genius Armoury Training Platform is a collaborative project led by Untapped Talent, with support from AustCyber and the Department of Industry. The program is funded through the Australian Government’s Cyber Security Skills Partnership Innovation Fund, underscoring a national effort to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in cybersecurity.

This initiative offers a unique pathway for neurodivergent individuals to develop their technical expertise and consider long-term careers in both cybersecurity and law enforcement.

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Australia’s federal government has today launched a proposed set of mandatory guardrails for high-risk AI alongside a voluntary safety standard for organisations using AI.

Each of these documents offer ten mutually reinforcing guardrails that set clear expectations for organisations across the AI supply chain. They are relevant for all organisations using AI, including internal systems aimed at boosting employee efficiency and externally-facing systems such as chatbots.

Most of the guardrails relate to things like accountability, transparency, record-keeping and making sure humans are overseeing AI systems in a meaningful way. They are aligned with emerging international standards such as the ISO standard for AI management and the European Union’s AI Act.

The proposals for mandatory requirements for high-risk AI – which are open to public submissions for the next month – recognise that AI systems are special in ways that limit the ability of existing laws to effectively prevent or mitigate a wide range of harms to Australians. While defining precisely what constitutes a high-risk setting is a core part of the consultation, the proposed principle-based approach would likely capture any systems that have a legal effect. Examples might include AI recruitment systems, systems that may limit human rights (including some facial recognition systems), and any systems that can cause physical harm, such as autonomous vehicles.

Well-designed guardrails will improve technology and make us all better off. On this front, the government should accelerate law reform efforts to clarify existing rules and improve both transparency and accountability in the market. At the same time, we don’t need to – nor should we – wait for the government to act.

The AI market is a mess

As it stands, the market for AI products and services is a mess. The central problem is that people don’t know how AI systems work, when they’re using them, and whether the output helps or hurts them.

Take, for example, a company that recently asked my advice on a generative AI service projected to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. It was worried about falling behind competitors and having difficulty choosing between vendors.

Yet, in the first 15 minutes of discussion, the company revealed it had no reliable information around the potential benefit for the business, and no knowledge of existing generative AI use by its teams.

It’s important we get this right. If you believe even a fraction of the hype, AI represents a huge opportunity for Australia. Estimates referenced by the federal government suggest the economic boost from AI and automation could be up to A$600 billion every year by 2030. This would lift our GDP to 25% above 2023 levels.

But all of this is at risk. The evidence is in the alarmingly high failure rates of AI projects (above 80% by some estimates), an array of reckless rollouts, low levels of citizen trust and the prospect of thousands of Robodebt-esque crises across both industry and government.

The information asymmetry problem

A lack of skills and experience among decision-makers is undoubtedly part of the problem. But the rapid pace of innovation in AI is supercharging another challenge: information asymmetry.

Information asymmetry is a simple, Nobel prize-winning economic concept with serious implications for everyone. And it’s a particularly pernicious challenge when it comes to AI.

When buyers and sellers have uneven knowledge about a product or service, it doesn’t just mean one party gains at the other’s expense. It can lead to poor-quality goods dominating the market, and even the market failing entirely.

AI creates information asymmetries in spades. AI models are technical and complex, they are often embedded and hidden inside other systems, and they are increasingly being used to make important choices.

Balancing out these asymmetries should deeply concern all of us. Boards, executives and shareholders want AI investments to pay off. Consumers want systems that work in their interests. And we all want to enjoy the benefits of economic expansion while avoiding the very real harms AI systems can inflict if they fail, or if they are used maliciously or deployed inappropriately.

In the short term, at least, companies selling AI gain a real benefit from restricting information so they can do deals with naïve counterparties. Solving this problem will require more than upskilling. It means using a range of tools and incentives to gather and share accurate, timely and important information about AI systems.

What businesses can do today

Now is the time to act. Businesses across Australia can pick up the Voluntary AI Safety Standard (or the International Standard Organisation’s version) and start gathering and documenting the information they need to make better decisions about AI today.

This will help in two ways. First, it will help businesses to take a structured approach to understanding and governing their own use of AI systems, to ask useful questions to (and demand answers from) their technology partners, and to signal to the market that their AI use is trustworthy.

Second, as more and more businesses adopt the standard, Australian and international vendors and deployers will feel market pressure to ensure their products and services are fit for purpose. In turn, it will become cheaper and easier for all of us to know whether the AI system we’re buying, relying on or being judged by actually serves our needs.

Clearing a path

Australian consumers and businesses both want AI to be safe and responsible. But we urgently need to close the huge gap that exists between aspiration and practice.

The National AI Centre’s Responsible AI index shows that while 78% of organisations believed they were developing and deploying AI systems responsibly, only 29% of organisations were applying actual practices towards this end.

Safe and responsible AI is where good governance meets good business practice and human-centred technology. In the bigger picture, it’s also about ensuring that innovation thrives in a well-functioning market. On both these fronts, standards can help us clear a path through the clutter.

Nicholas Davis, Industry Professor of Emerging Technology and Co-Director, Human Technology Institute, University of Technology Sydney

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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This initiative seeks to foster the development and international expansion of agritech solutions that are crucial for enhancing agricultural productivity and resilience in the face of global environmental challenges.

Focus on India-Australia Collaboration

The RISE Accelerator program is an exemplary platform designed to support the agricultural sectors of India and Australia, two nations with distinct yet complementary agricultural challenges. By focusing on startups and MSMEs from both countries, the program aims to create solutions that are adaptable to diverse agricultural environments and can be scaled globally.

Tamara Ogilvie, Program Director at CSIRO, highlighted the importance of this collaborative effort, stating, “India and Australia share common agricultural challenges, but the scale and diversity of our farming operations are unique.”

“This cohort will enable participants to achieve product-market fit in diverse markets, and rapidly scale their solutions to meet global demands.”

Structure and Support

The Climate Smart Agritech cohort is a comprehensive nine-month program, providing a blend of self-paced online learning and in-person sessions, including immersive weeks in both India and Australia. These sessions will offer participants deep market insights, one-on-one coaching, and mentorship from industry experts. The program is designed to facilitate connections with potential partners, customers, and investors, thereby boosting the chances of success in new and challenging markets.

In the latter half of the program, selected startups and MSMEs will also have the opportunity to participate in field trials and technology pilots. This hands-on experience is crucial for validating and adapting their technologies for real-world applications.

Furthermore, these businesses may be eligible for non-equity grants of up to A$85,000 (Rs 45 lakh), providing significant financial support to help them scale their innovations.

Eligibility and Application Process

Startups and MSMEs from both India and Australia that are working on technologies to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience are encouraged to apply.

The program is open to businesses that can provide solutions to pressing agricultural needs, focusing on improving on-farm practices and addressing the priorities of farmers in both countries.

Applications for the Climate Smart Agritech cohort close on September 15, 2024. There is no charge for participating in the program, making it an accessible opportunity for innovative businesses looking to expand their reach.

The RISE Accelerator’s Legacy and Impact

The RISE Accelerator program, launched in 2023, has already made significant strides in supporting startups and MSMEs. By providing a structured environment for businesses to validate, adapt, and pilot their technologies, the program has paved the way for numerous success stories. The introduction of the Climate Smart Agritech cohort marks a focused effort to address the growing environmental challenges faced by the agricultural sectors in India and Australia.

NITI Aayog’s statement emphasised the program’s potential impact, noting that it aligns with the broader goals of sustainable development and innovation. The program not only seeks to foster technological advancements but also to strengthen the economic ties between India and Australia, reinforcing the commitment of both nations to collaborative growth.

The partnership between CSIRO and NITI Aayog through the RISE Accelerator program represents a significant step towards fostering innovation in the agritech sector. By supporting startups and MSMEs with the tools, resources, and networks they need to succeed, the program is set to make a lasting impact on agricultural practices in both India and Australia. The Climate Smart Agritech cohort, in particular, is poised to play a critical role in addressing the environmental challenges that threaten global food security, ensuring that agriculture remains a viable and sustainable industry for future generations.

As applications for the cohort open, anticipation builds for the innovative solutions that will emerge, potentially transforming the agricultural landscapes of both nations.

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Australia has committed to elevating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge as one of five national priorities in science and research.

This comes as part of the National Science Statement released on Monday by the Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic. The statement signals the national priorities that will shape investment and policy across research and development over the next decade.

Australian research already punches above its weight. The statement notes we produce 3.4% of the world’s research with just 0.33% of the world’s population. So how can we accelerate our impact?

Indigenous knowledge systems are a national strength. The history of science on this continent is extraordinary, yet we often fail to recognise the sophisticated knowledges held by our First Nations peoples. Indigenous voices must be at the table.

The first peoples, the first scientists

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were the first astronomers, physicists, biologists and pharmacists on this continent. From as far back as 65,000 years Indigenous people have been integrating knowledge systems with and for people and Country.

There are many examples of Indigenous knowledge contributing to contemporary problems. Traditional Aboriginal burning takes into account local weather conditions, plants, environments and animals. It is showing how plants react to fire, how to reduce the risk of major fire events, and support regeneration and biodiversity.

Indigenous-led approaches to urban water are pointing towards more sustainable water management practices that also regenerate ecological and cultural environments.

Beyond this, Indigenous approaches to research can challenge Western science models in important ways that can bring about new leaps of innovation.

The stakes are high

The new national statement comes at a time when we face existential threats in climate change, artificial intelligence, new pandemics, social unrest and beyond. Research remains crucial to finding solutions for our survival.

But we must approach the task of elevating these knowledge systems in the right way and be mindful of the ongoing legacies of colonisation.

Eminent Māori scholar Linda Tuhiwai Smith has noted: Indigenous people are considered the most researched in the world, and yet have seen the least amount of benefit. The legacy of these past practices continues to foster uncertainty and distrust of research (and researchers) by many in Indigenous communities.

This observation, based on engagement and conversations with communities, highlights an imbalance in research benefit between those who are studied and those who do the research. It is tied to centuries of colonisation.

Science has long adhered to the principle of “do no harm”. However, Western science has sometimes done harm. This was recently highlighted in Melbourne University’s book Dhoombak Goobgoowana, or truth-telling in the Woi Wurrung language, which described some of the terrible outcomes of colonial biases in science.

At the same time Western institutions and industries have extracted an extraordinary amount of knowledge from Indigenous peoples. According to the World Health Organization

around 40% of pharmaceutical products today draw from nature and traditional knowledge, including landmark drugs: aspirin, artemisinin [an ancient Chinese herbal malaria treatment], and childhood cancer treatments.

This has benefited humanity, and fattened the profits of many pharmaceutical companies. Yet Indigenous people have seen very little financial benefit – or even credit.

This is one of the many reasons we need to foster Indigenous-led research and engage communities in research.

A seat at the table – and more

Bringing more people to the table – both in research and at universities in general – will help us ask better questions. It will ensure people, especially Indigenous peoples, can lead or guide the research, see benefit and help build capacity in communities.

The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies code of ethics points the way forward. It centres Indigenous self-determination, Indigenous leadership, sustainability and accountability, and demonstrating impact and value. It all starts with listening, and ensuring that research addresses priorities determined and supported by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The National Science Statement calls for teamwork. It calls for research collaborations between universities, civil society, governments and international partners to solve some of our biggest societal, geopolitical, economic and environmental challenges.

This task also demands new approaches to what responsibility means in research. To create futures in which people can thrive, responsible research must go beyond compliance to formal rules of ethics and integrity.

It must ask much bigger questions about the place of research within local communities and much larger geopolitical environments. And it must reconsider how we partner well with the governments, industries and the communities with which we are embedded.

This takes us right back to the question of why we do research. Is it to publish more papers, or find a drug that makes a lot of money? Or are we here to make the world a better place?

It’s a question the National Statement on Science is asking. It is up to us to put it into practice.

Tristan Kennedy, Professor & Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous), Monash University and Melissa Miles, Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor Research, Monash University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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In the deep human past, highly skilled seafarers made daring crossings from Asia to the Pacific Islands. It was a migration of global importance that shaped the distribution of our species – Homo sapiens – across the planet.

These mariners became the ancestors of people who live in the region today, from West Papua to Aotearoa New Zealand.

For archaeologists, however, the precise timing, location and nature of these maritime dispersals have been unclear.

For the first time, our new research provides direct evidence that seafarers travelled along the equator to reach islands off the coast of West Papua more than 50 millennia ago.

Digging at the gateway to the Pacific

Our archaeological fieldwork on Waigeo Island in the Raja Ampat archipelago of West Papua represents the first major international collaboration of its kind, involving academics from New Zealand, West Papua, Indonesia and beyond.

We focused our excavations at Mololo Cave, a colossal limestone chamber surrounded by tropical rainforest. It stretches a hundred metres deep and is home to bat colonies, monitor lizards and the occasional snake.

In the local Ambel language, Mololo means the place where the currents come together, fittingly named for the choppy waters and large whirlpools in the nearby straits.

Excavation uncovered several layers of human occupation associated with stone artefacts, animal bones, shells and charcoal – all physical remains discarded by ancient humans living at the cave.

These archaeological findings were rare in the deepest layers, but radiocarbon dating at the University of Oxford and the University of Waikato demonstrated humans were living at Mololo by at least 55,000 years before the present day.

Foraging in the rainforest

A key finding of the excavation was a tree resin artefact that was made at this time. This is the earliest example of resin being used by people outside of Africa. It points to the complex skills humans developed to live in rainforests.

Scanning-electron microscope analysis indicated the artefact was produced in multiple stages. First the bark of a resin-producing tree was cut and the resin was allowed to drip down the trunk and harden. Then the hardened resin was snapped into shape.

The function of the artefact is unknown, but it may have been used as a fuel source for fires inside the cave. Similar resin was collected during the 20th century around West Papua and used for fires before gas and electric lighting was introduced.

Our study of animal bones from Mololo indicates people hunted ground-dwelling birds, marsupials and possibly megabats. Despite Waigeo Island being home to small animals that are difficult to capture, people were adapting to using rainforest resources alongside the coastal foods islands readily offer. This is an important example of human adaptation and flexibility in challenging conditions.

Seafaring pathways to the Pacific

The Mololo excavation helps us to clarify the precise time humans moved into the Pacific. This timing is hotly debated because it has major implications for how rapidly our species dispersed out of Africa to Asia and Oceania.

It also has implications for whether people drove Oceanic megafauna like giant kangaroos (Protemnodon) and giant wombats (Diprotodontids) to extinction, and how they interacted with other species of hominins like the “hobbit” (Homo floresiensis) that lived on the islands of Indonesia until about 50,000 years ago.

Archaeologists have proposed two hypothetical seafaring corridors leading into the Pacific: a southern route into Australia and a northern route into West Papua.

In what is today northern Australia, excavations indicate humans may have settled the ancient continent of Sahul, which connected West Papua to Australia, by 65,000 years ago.

However, findings from Timor suggest people were moving along the southern route only 44,000 years ago. Our work supports the idea that the earliest seafarers crossed instead along the northern route into West Papua, later moving down into Australia.

West Papua: an archaeological enigma

Despite our research, we still know very little about the deep human past in West Papua. Research has been limited primarily because of the political and social crisis in the region.

Importantly, our research shows early West Papuans were sophisticated, highly mobile and able to devise creative solutions to living on small tropical islands. Ongoing excavations by our project aim to provide further information about how people adapted to climatic and environmental changes in the region.

We know from other archaeological sites in the independent country of Papua New Guinea that once humans arrived in the Pacific region, they kept venturing as far as the New Guinea Highlands, the Bismarck Archipelago and the Solomon Islands by 30,000 years ago.

It was not until about 3,000 years ago that seafarers pushed out beyond the Solomon Islands to settle the smaller islands of Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga. Their descendants later voyaged as far as Hawaii, Rapa Nui and Aotearoa.

Charting the archaeology of West Papua is vital because it helps us understand where the ancestors of the wider Pacific came from and how they adapted to living in this new and unfamiliar sea of islands.

The authors acknowledge the contribution of Abdul Razak Macap, a social anthropologist at the Regional Cultural Heritage Center in Manokwari.

Dylan Gaffney, Associate Professor of Palaeolithic Archaeology, University of Oxford and Daud Aris Tanudirjo, Pengajar (Lektor Kepala) di Departemen Arkeologi, Universitas Gadjah Mada

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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The AFP’s world-class forensic capabilities is set to be deployed with the assistance of the community during a sanctioned takeover of the centre on Saturday, 17 August, 2024.

AFP Chief Scientist Dr Simon Walsh and the AFP Forensics Team will deploy to the National Science and Technology Centre to educate, encourage and inspire young children to embrace their inner ‘forensic scientist’.

“The deployment to the National Science and Technology Centre will allow the AFP to highlight some of our unique capabilities in the hope of inspiring a new generation of forensic and technology experts,” Dr Simon Walsh said.

“Together, with Questacon, we will provide aspiring scientists a hands-on experience and opportunity to see how law enforcement uses science and technology to investigate and combat crime, including a sneak peek at how AI can potentially assist to solve crimes.”

National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology. The week aims to encourage an interest in science pursuits and encourage younger people to be fascinated by the world we live in.

The crime scene will replicate the daily deployment of forensic experts who undertake complex work to keep Australians safe, thanks to their specialised knowledge and capabilities.

The AFP is calling on all Junior Forensic Investigators and aspiring scientists to investigate the Questacon crime scene from 9am on Saturday, 17 August, 2024.

Forensics specialists will include, Facial Identification and Forensic Artists, Crime Scene Examiners, Forensic Chemists, Fingerprint Experts, Digital Forensic Examiners and more!

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This collaboration is set to combine the strengths of both companies, addressing the escalating challenges posed by the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape.

Leading this initiative is Dr Amit Chaubey, Co-Founder & CEO at NIAD Technologies, a seasoned technology and cybersecurity risk professional with over 22 years of experience across the Asia Pacific.

Dr Chaubey has an Honorary PhD in Information Technology specialising in Cybersecurity from a French university. He is a member of multiple Executive Advisory Boards, Chair of the AISA (Australian Information Security Association) in New South Wales, National Cybersecurity Advisor for the Australia India Business Council, and Cyber Ambassador for Investment NSW.

NIAD Technologies, with its extensive expertise in IT services, and OpenText, a global leader in Information Management, are combining their strengths to help businesses maximise their technology investments. Together, they offer seamless solutions for securely capturing, governing, and exchanging information on a global scale.

As cyber threats continue to grow in complexity and frequency, organisations of all sizes are facing heightened risks. The partnership between OpenText and NIAD Technologies is designed to confront these challenges head-on.

NIAD Technologies said in a statement:

“Our partnership aims to address these challenges by leveraging the extensive expertise and innovative technologies of both companies.”

By leveraging their extensive expertise and cutting-edge technologies, the two companies aim to provide robust, comprehensive solutions that safeguard digital assets, optimise cloud infrastructure, and enhance overall cybersecurity.

This partnership between OpenText and NIAD Technologies is expected to significantly enhance the cybersecurity landscape in the ANZ region, providing businesses with the tools and support they need to thrive in a digital-first world.

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The initiative, dubbed Operation Spincaster, identified over 2,000 compromised crypto wallets belonging to Australians. This joint effort has uncovered the use of a technique called ‘approval phishing,’ which has resulted in the theft of more than $4 billion in cryptocurrency from victims worldwide since May 2021.

Approval phishing involves tricking victims into signing a malicious blockchain transaction. Once signed, criminals gain access to the victims’ crypto wallets, allowing them to drain the wallets of specific tokens at will. This tactic is commonly used in investment scams, where victims are lured with promises of high returns, and in romance scams, where criminals manipulate victims through feigned emotional connections.

AFP Detective Superintendent Tim Stainton emphasised the borderless nature of cybercrime and the importance of international collaboration. “Working together and sharing knowledge with industry, government, and law enforcement partners is crucial,” he stated.

“The intelligence gathered during Operation Spincaster has highlighted new tactics used by cybercriminals and will be vital in ongoing investigations.”

Chainalysis Director of Investigations Phil Larratt expressed pride in collaborating with Australian law enforcement, noting the positive impact of the operation. “Proactive initiatives like Operation Spincaster are pivotal in disrupting the global scam epidemic,” he said.

“We look forward to continued success in combating scams and supporting agencies in Australia and beyond.”

Operation Spincaster’s findings have led to ongoing AFP investigations into the identified Australian losses. The AFP has also gathered valuable intelligence on scam tactics, aiming to prevent further victimisation of Australians. The AFP-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre (JPC3) played a crucial role in the operation, collaborating with Chainalysis to target these scams.

Between April and June 2024, over 100 participants from digital currency exchanges and public agencies across the US, UK, Canada, Spain, Netherlands, and Australia engaged in training sessions as part of the operation. In June 2024, Australia became actively involved with the JPC3 hosting a workshop that brought together Chainalysis, digital currency exchanges, government bodies, and law enforcement agencies. The workshop focused on sharing intelligence, training on tracing stolen funds, and discussing how to support victims of approval phishing.

Australians are urged to remain vigilant against approval phishing and other scams. Key precautions include verifying transactions, being sceptical of urgent requests for money or information, researching the identity of individuals or companies, and trusting one’s instincts. For more information on approval phishing and other scam tactics, visit Chainalysis’ blog.

The AFP has also extended its gratitude to the digital currency exchanges BTC Markets, Binance, Crypto.com, Ebonex, Independent Reserve, OKX, SwyftX, and Wayex for their efforts in identifying and supporting Australian victims, helping to prevent further losses.

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Social media is a problem for economists. They don’t know how to value it.

It has long been argued that it ought to be in the national accounts as part of gross domestic product. One 2019 study estimated Facebook alone is worth US$40 to US$50 per month for consumers in the United States.

But that’s not what we pay. Social media isn’t charged for, and the national accounts measure only the things we pay for, no matter how significant they are in our lives and how many hours per day we spend using them.

As the Australian Senate prepares to hold an inquiry into the impact of social media, economists meeting in Adelaide at the annual conference of the Economic Society of Australia have been presented with new findings about the value of social media that point in a shocking direction. They suggest it is negative.

That’s right: the findings suggest social media is worth less to us than the zero we pay for it. That suggests we would be better off without it.

Better off without social media?

Leonardo Bursztyn of the University of Chicago presented the findings in the keynote address to the conference.

The findings are shocking because they upend one of the tenets of modern economics – that we value the things we do. Put differently, it’s that our behaviour is the best indication of our preferences. The man who developed this theory of revealed preference went on to win the Nobel Prize in Economics.

Here’s what Bursztyn and his colleagues did.

They surveyed more than 1,000 US university students, asking a series of questions about TikTok, Instagram and Google Maps (more about maps later).

The first set of questions was designed to ascertain how much they would need to be paid (or would be prepared to pay) to be off TikTok and Instagram for a month.

What’s it worth to disconnect for a month?

The questions get at the answer by repeatedly offering different prices until one is accepted. The students are told one of them will be chosen at random to actually get (or pay) the money and be monitored to ensure they stick to the deal.

The answers suggest users value these platforms a lot, on average by US$59 per month for TikTok and $47 for Instagram. An overwhelming 93% of TikTok users and 86% of Instagram users would be prepared to pay something to stay on them.

Encouragingly, these figures are in the ballpark of those found by other studies.

Then Bursztyn and colleagues asked a second set of questions:

If two-thirds of the students on your campus sign up to deactivate, how much would you need to be paid (or be prepared to pay) to sign up too?

Here the answers – obtained by the same sort of repeated offers and an assurance that that previous studies had found nearly all of those who signed up would comply – were in the opposite direction.

Most of the TikTok users (64%) and almost half of the Instagram users (48%) were prepared to pay to be off them, so long as others were off them, resulting in average valuations across all users of minus US$28 for TikTok and minus $10 for Instagram.

Many users would prefer TikTok didn’t exist

The finding is a measure of the extent to which many, many users hate TikTok and Instagram, even though they feel compelled to use them.

To make clear the bizarre nature of his finding, Bursztyn drew the the conference’s attention to another product, a refrigerator.

Could you imagine, he asked, 60% of refrigerator owners saying they wished fridges didn’t exist?

The relationship he has uncovered is more like the co-dependence seen in a destructive relationship, or the way we relate to addictive products such as tobacco that we know are doing us harm.

Bursztyn and his colleagues wanted to make sure it wasn’t repugnance towards technology and big tech that was driving their findings. So they asked questions about digital maps.

Whereas 57% of Instagram users would prefer a world without Instagram, only 4% of maps users would prefer a world without digital maps.

Fear of missing out drives staying in

Asked why those users who would prefer a world without their platform continued to use it, three-quarters of Instagram users and one-third of TikTok users gave an answer that was coded as fear of missing out, or FOMO.

The phrases used included “if I stop using it, I will be completely out of the loop”.

Other important reasons were classified as “entertainment” (37% for TikTok, 21% for Instagram) and “addiction” (34% and 10%).

To test for these product market traps outside of social media, Bursztyn and colleagues surveyed owners of luxury brands such as Gucci, Versace, Rolex and found 44% would prefer to live in a world without them.

That non-users would like to wipe these brands from the face of the earth isn’t new. What seems to be new is the finding that actual users feel the same way.

iPhone users want fewer new models

In the case of iPhones, users would simply like fewer new models. Bursztyn and colleagues found an astonishing 91% of iPhone owners would prefer Apple to release a new model only every second year, instead of every year.

It’s advice Apple doesn’t need to heed. Many of these customers will keep buying the new models because they don’t want to miss out, even though they would rather not be placed in that situation.

For economists, the findings suggest there’s an unusual class of products that are worth less than people are prepared to pay for them, even when that price is zero.

For the Australian Senate, about to begin an inquiry, the findings suggest that it’s okay to crack down hard on social media, even though a lot of people use it. Many of them would be grateful.

Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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