Westpac confesses to charging thousands of deceased customers, ASIC sues

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has launched legal action against Westpac regarding allegations of “poor systems, poor processes and poor governance”. The filings also address claims that Westpac charged over 11,000 deceased customers for advice fees. ASIC has filed six court cases against Westpac for alleged maladministration impacting customers. Westpac has since admitted…

WHO says Omicron poses “very high” risk, makes recommendations

The World Health Organisation (WHO) warns that the Omicron coronavirus variant presents a “very high” risk to global health due to potentially increased rates of transmission. The Omicron variant presents a high likelihood of wider transmission, says WHO in a technical brief published this past weekend. Much is unknown about the variant, although a significant…

Revenue NSW “unlawfully” used automated process to collect debts, says Ombudsman

An investigation into NSW’s debt collection agency found that it had abused its automated system to collect outstanding debts from vulnerable people. The state Ombudsman found that Revenue NSW’s use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning was unlawful. NSW Ombudsman Paul Miller calls for “greater transparency” and accountability for agencies relying on AI and…

Australian Govt to change regulations to decrease no. scam texts

The Australian Government will make changes to regulations to allow telecommunications companies to block scam text messages. The changes come after a surge in scam messages received across the nation in 2021. Scam text messages have run rampant across Australia this year. An increase in fraudulent text messages from senders claiming to represent government agencies…

Indian Govt tells Musk’s Starlink to get license before offering internet service

The Indian Government has told Elon Musk and SpaceX to stop offering their Starlink internet service in India until they have a license. The government body also advised the public not to subscribe to the service. Starlink Internet Services, a satellite internet constellation launched in 2018, is one of the many technological exploits taken on…

PM introduces “anti-trolling” legislation to unmask online commenters

The Morrison Government will introduce “anti-trolling” legislation that would appoint new obligations to social media platforms in the event of online harassment or defamation. Under the legislation, social media companies would be compelled to reveal the personal information of users being sued for defamation. On Sunday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Attorney-General Michaelia Cash came…

Indian Govt introduces bill to ban cryptocurrencies

The Indian Government has submitted a bill calling for the ban of most private cryptocurrencies to be introduced in their Parliament’s winter session. The proposed bill comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s comprehensive review of cryptocurrencies earlier this month. Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2021 has been added to the list of…

Australian soldiers deployed to Solomon Islands amid unrest

Australia will send over 100 personnel from the Federal Police and Defence Force to Solomon Islands amidst civil and political unrest in the nation’s capital, Honiara. The deployment comes after over 1,000 residents united to protest outside of Honiara’s Parliament throughout the week. Growing unrest in Solomon Islands has developed further today, with Australia now…