China’s facial recognition plans target “suspicious people”

One of China’s biggest provinces is developing a rigorous surveillance system said to target “suspicious people”, such as journalists and international students. Documents reviewed by Reuters reveal that the Henan Province of China plans to build an interconnected surveillance technology network. Reuters has reviewed a near-200-page tender document from the Henan Public Security Department that…

Mass Bitcoin mining leads to power crisis in Kazakhstan

Electricity shortages are leading to a mass exodus of cryptocurrency miners from Kazakhstan. The nation’s electrical grid operator announced it would begin rationing electricity across registered miners amid widespread shutdowns and blackouts. The Shortage Central Asia’s wealthiest country is facing pervasive power shortages caused by a dramatic increase in the number of cryptocurrency mining companies…

Controversial Victorian pandemic bill passes upper house

The controversial Victorian pandemic legislation that would allow officials to impose health orders under pandemic conditions has passed the upper house. The legislation became the subject of widespread criticism, with thousands of people gathering outside state parliament to protest the bill. After weeks in the spotlight, Victoria’s Public Health and Wellbeing Amendment (Pandemic Management) Bill…