News, views and analysis from the A/NZ tech sector
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Hi there,
When Facebook threw its toys out of the cot and blocked news content in protest at the Media Bargaining Code there was a flurry of concern around the potential for even more misinformation filling the void left in social media.
Now Facebook (which retracted its action after negotiating a backdown from the government) is among the big names signing up to the long awaited Australian Code of Practice on Disinformation and Misinformation developed by Digi (Digi being the association of companies the code is targeted at).
The voluntary self-policing code, which the Australian government asked the digital sector to develop in the face of rising concerns, has been hit by some scathing criticism from some areas, most notably Reset Australia, which deemed it "pointless and shameless".
It's an attempt at self-regulation in order to avoid government regulation. Some of it is stuff already done by companies who under the code can ‘opt in’ on what they are going to do. They might label false content, they might remove content, they might restrict ‘inauthentic’ accounts or address fake bots. They also might not.
It’s flawed, yes. It's also a self-serving and revenue-protecting move from a group of businesses that don't have any reputation for doing the right thing.
One outfit that is doing the right thing when it comes to deploying smart integration into its operations is PlaceMakers. They explain how a multiyear digital project has transformed their business, saved time, reduced call volumes and enabled them to enact rapid change.
Enjoy the read,
Heather Wright
Editor
editor@istart.co.nz
In this issue
Aussie Disinformation Code gets rough start
Reset Australia: Nah mate, it’s ‘pointless and shameless’…
“It does nothing but reinforce the arrogance of giants like Facebook.”
Digital Downunder 2021
New report offers a snapshot of all things digital Downunder and beyond…
We now spend around 42 percent of our waking lives online.
Eftpos goes QR with new payment network
Covid check-ins give QR shot in arm…
“The QR code payments network will enable local home-grown innovation.”
Industry-specific clouds step into the sunshine
A cloud for every sector…
Microsoft launches financial services, manufacturing and not for profit 'industry clouds'.
Hackers downloaded Azure and Exchange source code
Microsoft: Nothing to see here folks, move along…
If source code was accessed you'd have to think it was also copied.
PlaceMakers transform their future with Adaptiv
Cementing customer service for a progressive business…
“We’re now doing 20 times the volume load we predicted.”
Top articles
Petulant Facebook wins out
Media code loses teeth after news ban deal…
Read more ...
What’s driving smart traffic growth?
Smart cities of the future need smart traffic tech to match…
Read more ...
Tackling carbon emissions and drought with tech
Agtech goes sky high; biotech goes to waste…
Read more ...
Upcoming events
> Australian Cyber Conference 2021 | Mar 16-18 | Canberra
> Gartner Security & Risk Management Summit | Mar 23-24, 2021 | APAC Virtual
> Devops Talks Conference (DOTC) | Mar 25-26, 2021 | Melbourne
> Tech in Gov | Aug 10-11 | Canberra
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