TikTok China’s new U.S. joint venture to avoid a ban
TikTok China has entered into a new 50% US joint venture that enables TikTok to continue to operate in the USA.
Consumer Advice
Temu and Shein: AI-generated fake reviews up 1361/1596%
Chinese online stores Temu and Shein allow AI-generated fake reviews to convince customers to buy.
Avoid iTagPro: it’s a scam
If you are thinking about getting tracking tags, avoid iTagPro like the plague – it’s a scam, a rip-off, does not work, and you will…
Evading the social media ban: Under-16s have lots of tools
Apparently, there are already ways of evading the social media ban, and some are extremely easy.
How to Stay Safe Against Scams Online
Online scams are everywhere — from fake text messages to phishing emails. Learning how to stay safe against scams is essential for protecting your data…
Microsoft 365 with Copilot: Refunds available for forcing AI on us
Microsoft 365 with Copilot users who were forced to accept higher prices for its AI Copilot version may be eligible for a refund.
Li-Ion is bad. LiFePO4 is good. You have a choice so please use it.
Li-Ion is bad. It is the root cause of thousands of fires each year from portable battery banks, e-mobility and household appliances.
Why Australian Consumer Law warranty is vital for tech (2025 guide)
All genuine Australian certified products have an implied Australian Consumer Law Warranty. What does that mean for you?
ACL Consumer Tech warranty not a priority for the majority – it should be (2025 guide)
ACL Consumer Tech warranty is usually 12 months. What happens if that breaks down just outside of warranty? You have plenty of rights.
Lithium-ion battery fire – advice for renters, home and strata owners (guide)
Every day we hear of yet another lithium-ion battery fire, most of which cause devastating and total loss to homes, apartments and even garbage trucks…
Virgin – no decision yet on battery banks
Virgin has made no decision yet on the carriage and use of battery banks in the cabin. They are definitely not allowed in checked luggage.
NBN Co and Amazon’s Project Kuiper to Deliver LEO Satellite Broadband Across Regional Australia
NBN Co and Amazon have announced a new partnership to deliver high-speed wholesale broadband to regional, rural, and remote parts of Australia using Low Earth…
Virgin battery bank fire – a rethink about banning them
The Virgin battery bank fire on VA1528 from Sydney to Hobart has forced the airline to reconsider if it will ban them completely – no…
Power bank recalls – 17 since 2020. Do you have one?
Power bank recalls are exploding (pun intended) with 17 formal recalls since 2020, nine in the past 16 months.
NSW Lithium-ion regulations enforced from August 2025
The new NSW Lithium-ion regulations for any lithium-ion-powered e-mobility device will come into effect in August 2025 for mandatory testing, certification and labelling.
What Trump’s tariffs mean for the cost of consumer tech in Australia
Trump’s tariffs, a unilateral 10% cost impost on all Australian imports (our exports), will only affect Australian-made exports to the USA.
DarkBERT is the most malicious dark web AI. It’s coming after you (consumer advice)
DarkBERT is a dark web AI chatbot that is now the super evil, most malicious tool used by cybercriminals to take the world and us…
AI companion apps have a very dark side (Consumer advice)
AI Companion apps are the new lawless data-harvesting apps. They can have a hugely distressing dark side for emotionally dependent people.
AI chatbots spy on you (Consumer Advice)
AI Chatbots spy on you, collecting, analysing, and storing personal data, and many share that data with third parties. It is serious!
Urgent Warning: Samsung soundbar firmware update can brick it (Consumer Advice)
The latest Samsung soundbar firmware update can brick the device. Take urgent action now to protect the soundbar until a fix is found.
Planes and power banks – FAA/TSA rules enforced (Urgent update off-grid)
Planes and power banks – the 100Wh rule is now strictly enforced following a slew of Lithium-ion power bank recalls and fires.
Google Pixel 4a – update firmware now (Recall)
The Google Pixel 4a Model G025N received an OS upgrade to Android 13 on 8 January 2025. Some phones have experienced battery overheating.
Telstra fined $626K for spamming customers – fines a way of life for this Telco
Telstra fined $626K. Why? For spamming its and Belong customers with unsolicited and unwelcome texts without an unsubscribe option
Surveillance – here’s looking at you, kid (safety)
Surveillance is everywhere: on the street, in a cafe, on a bus, train, car, and even inside the sanctity of your home. Chillng.
