Environmental issues affecting Australia and the world in 2015

Exciting technological breakthroughs are successfully tackling current pressing environmental problems. Gregory Mueller wonders why we hear so little about this.

Social Media is changing the world – lessons in discernment

Our professional and private lives have changed significantly with the ubiquity of social media. Sue Ellson says we have gained far more than we have lost, but we still need to be discerning in how we use it.

Tackling the growth of e-waste in 2015

Almost every week there’s the launch of a new desktop computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone, but what about the e-waste this generates? Carmel Dollisson from TechCollect is passionate about educating Australians about the importance of recycling responsibly.

Banning video games – taking responsibility as a society

Target Australia recently pulled the R-rated video game Grand Theft Auto V from its shelves following feedback about the game's depictions of violence against women. Angela Borbilas says it’s time for the community to come together and recognise that we all have to do our part.

Good privacy is good business

Privacy should not be underestimated or taken for granted. Following the Privacy @ Play Summit last month, Malcolm Crompton explains why good privacy is good business.

Standards: paving the way to a better cloud computing future

Concerns over privacy and security risks in cloud computing are still widespread. Malcolm Crompton says a new code of practice for cloud service providers handling personal information could be a game changer.

The four who would be king

The so-called Smart21 Intelligent Communities are based on nominations submitted by communities large and small from around the world. Louis Zacharilla explains what it took for the four Australian participants to make the cut.

Privacy – It’s as good for business as it is for people

The precarious balance between sharing information versus protecting our privacy is a pressing global issue which will be explored at the upcoming Privacy@Play Summit in Sydney. Emma Hossack attempts to clear up some of the misconceptions about privacy.

The OECD’s scorecard for the digital economy. Australia ok, but could do better

An upcoming OECD report looks at the current state of the world’s digital life. David Glance says investing in information technologies seems to be the best way to boost the economy.

Disconnect to reconnect

Social September encourages us to press pause – disconnect from our digital lives and reconnect with each other and ourselves. The aim is to create spaces for face-to-face social connection, promoting positive mental health and wellbeing.

Why I’m not on Facebook

The interpretation of ‘social’ in today’s social media often leaves out the actual personal interaction. Allan Catlin says it would be a tragedy if real people contact was lost.

There’s more to the national security debate than ‘more powers please’

National security remains high on the government's agenda. Malcolm Crompton says it is time to have a complete debate over the issue and think it through in order to avoid waking up in the Surveillance Society.