UN launches global principles to tackle online hate | Australia's nuclear debate risks to derailing support for AUKUS | EU charges Apple for breach of tech rules
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The Daily Cyber & Tech Digest focuses on the topics we work on, including cybersecurity, critical technologies, foreign interference & disinformation.
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UN launches global principles to combat online hate and demands big tech take action now, with Secretary-General António Guterres calling on advertising companies “stop monetizing harmful content”. The Associated Press
The lead author of the government’s Defence Strategic Review has warned the political debate over Peter Dutton’s nuclear energy plan has the potential to “run off the rails” and threaten bipartisan consensus on AUKUS. The Australian
European Union antitrust regulators charged on Monday that Apple breached the bloc's tech rules, a charge that could result in a hefty fine for the iPhone maker which could result in a fine of as much as 10% of a company's global annual turnover. Reuters
Australia
Nuclear power debate ‘could undermine AUKUS’, Defence Strategic Review author warns
The Australian
Ben Packham
The lead author of the government’s Defence Strategic Review has warned the political debate over Peter Dutton’s nuclear energy plan has the potential to “run off the rails” and threaten bipartisan consensus on AUKUS. Peter Dean said domestic nuclear power and nuclear-powered submarines were “very different things”, but there was a risk they could be conflated in the public mind amid ferocious debate over the Coalition plan.
Defence’s electromagnetic spectrum challenges
The Strategist
Richard Wolf
The Australian Defence Force is ill prepared for a modern conflict. It is not doing nearly enough to ensure dominance of the electromagnetic spectrum, the kind of energy used in communications and by many sensors. If a country loses the competition in the EMS, it will lose the war.
‘Just like the atom bomb race’: tech boss praises Australia’s $1bn quantum investment
The Australian
Jared Lynch
Global security company DigiCert has backed a $1bn taxpayer-funded investment to build Australia’s first quantum computer, likening the scramble to develop the tech to the race to detonate the atom bomb in the 1940s. Amit Sinha – chief executive of DigiCert, which is on track to hit $US1bn a year in revenue – says the leap into quantum computing risks an “extinction level event for current cryptographic standards” and says governments and companies must start preparing themselves.
China
Exclusive: China's ByteDance working with Broadcom to develop advanced AI chip
Reuters
Eduardo Baptista
China's ByteDance is working with U.S. chip designer Broadcom, opens new tab on developing an advanced AI processor, two sources familiar with the matter said, a move that would help TikTok's owner secure sufficient supply of high-end chips amid U.S.-Sino tensions. The 5 nanometre chip - a customised product known as an application-specific integrated chip - would be compliant with U.S. export restrictions and manufacturing work would be outsourced to Taiwan's TSMC, opens new tab, the sources added.
China contemplates ‘countermeasures’ after US takes steps to curb outbound tech, AI investment
South China Morning Post
Ralph Jennings
China’s Ministry of Commerce had harsh words for the United States on Monday after the latter country announced it would proceed with curbs against hi-tech investments destined for the East Asian powerhouse, complete with an affirmation it reserves “the right to take countermeasures” in response. The ministry’s comment followed an announcement from the US Treasury Department on Friday that it plans to set rules for American individuals and companies that invest in artificial intelligence, quantum information technologies or semiconductors in China.
Chinese hackers have stepped up attacks on Taiwanese organizations, cybersecurity firm says
The Associated Press
Zen Soo
A suspected Chinese state-sponsored hacking group has stepped up its targeting of Taiwanese organizations, particularly those in sectors such as government, education, technology and diplomacy. The cyberattacks by the group known as RedJulliett were observed between November 2023 and April 2024, during the lead up to Taiwan’s presidential elections in January and the subsequent change in administration.
USA
CDK hack upends US auto industry, sending dealers back to paper forms
Reuters
U.S. auto dealers grappled with an ongoing cyber-attack-led software outage on Monday, with some reverting to manual paperwork as car industry technology provider CDK worked to restore systems used by more than 15,000 retail locations. The outage impacting CDK's dealer management system, used to complete deals, track store profitability and monitor employee compensation, has "plunged the auto retail industry into disarray", JPMorgan analysts said last week.
North Asia
Japan lays out strategy to tackle $33bn digital trade deficit
Nikkei Asia
Satoshi Tezuka
Japan has sounded the alarm about waning digital competitiveness and an outflow of wealth, as the government's latest policy plan calls for replacing aging systems and training talent in a bid to catch up. The fiscal 2024 edition of the Priority Policy Program for Realizing Digital Society, released Friday, is the first to mention Japan's "digital deficit," which has been swelling with mounting fees for software licensing, cloud storage and online advertising.
Japan and South Korea are fighting over an app at a tense time
The New York Times
River Akira Davis
SoftBank and Naver helped bridge geopolitical relations with a joint venture to own the operator of the messaging app Line, but now the partnership is fraying. A rift has emerged over the ownership of the Naver-SoftBank venture, and diplomats and international relations experts fear it could again put stress on ties between the countries.
Japan's chip industry can be revived, Acer cofounder says
Nikkei Asia
Hideaki Ryugen
Japan's semiconductor and electronics industries have the potential to make a comeback, Acer cofounder Stan Shih says. Shih who now sits on the board of the Taiwanese personal computer maker, called for Japan and chipmaking powerhouse Taiwan to work together more closely in semiconductor supply chains.
A fire at a lithium battery factory in South Korea kills 22 mostly Chinese migrant workers
The Associated Press
Hyung-Jin Kim
A fire likely sparked by exploding lithium batteries swept through a manufacturing factory near South Korea’s capital on Monday, killing 22 mostly Chinese migrant workers and injuring eight, officials said.
Southeast Asia
Indonesia says a cyberattack has compromised its data center but it won’t pay the $8 million ransom
The Associated Press
Niniek Karmini
Indonesia’s national data center has been compromised by a hacking group asking for a $8 million ransom that the government won’t pay, authorities said Monday. The cyberattack has disrupted services of more than 200 government agencies at both the national and regional levels since June 20, said Samuel Abrijani Pangerapan, the director general of informatics applications with the Communications and Informatics Ministry.
Connecting Nusantara: Indonesia’s strategic digital advancements
OpenGov Asia
Azizah Saffa
The Nusantara Capital City development in East Kalimantan is progressing with a primary focus on digital transformation. To realise this vision, the Telecommunications and Information Accessibility Agency of the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has taken strategic steps to maximise the utilisation of the Palapa Ring Central network and support IKN’s connectivity needs.
SPACE-F Launches Batch 5 of Global FoodTech Accelerator and incubator to drive innovation to address food industry challenges
Business Insider
SPACE-F, the first global food-tech startup incubator and accelerator program in Thailand, has launched Batch 5 of the program that aims to foster innovative solutions to address current and future food industry challenges. The National Innovation Agency, Thai Union Group PCL, Mahidol University, Thai Beverage PCL, LOTTE Fine Chemical, and Nestlé Ltd. are key collaborators in SPACE-F, which provides participating startups with expert mentorship, access to valuable networks, and funding opportunities.
New hyper-connected data centre to launch in Johor
OpenGov Asia
Alita Sharon
A new strategic partnership is set to establish a sustainable, hyper-connected AI-ready data centre campus in Iskandar Puteri, Johor. This initiative targets the needs of hyperscalers, next-generation AI application providers, and enterprises seeking accelerated digitalisation and cloud solutions in the region. Leveraging extensive subsea cable networks, the collaboration promises enhanced global connectivity, lower latency, and improved reliability. The development of this hyper-connected AI-ready data centre marks a significant phase in the digital evolution of ASEAN.
Vietnam’s role in global cybersecurity: advancements and challenges
OpenGov Asia
Samaya Dharmaraj
Vietnam underscored its commitment to enhancing both domestic and international cyber resilience, urging the UN Security Council to focus more on cyberspace-related challenges and cybersecurity aspects critical for maintaining international peace and security. Addressing the high-level debate on “Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Addressing Evolving Threats in Cyberspace”, held by the UNSC in New York, Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, highlighted the growing threats in cyberspace.
South & Central Asia
Digital Defence: Advancing Indian army’s tech capabilities
OpenGov Asia
Samaya Dharmaraj
In a landmark event, the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering, Indian Army, and the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering & Research, an autonomous R&D laboratory under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at advancing collaboration in ‘Next Generation Wireless Technologies for Indian Army.’ This initiative marks a pivotal step in bolstering the Indian Army’s technological capabilities, aligned with its vision for 2024 as the ‘Year of Technological Absorption for Indian Army’, set forth by the Chief of Army Staff.
Ukraine - Russia
Russian hackers sanctioned by European Council for attacks on EU and Ukraine
The Record by Recorded Future
Alexander Martin
Six hackers who have previously been connected to either Russian state-sponsored or financially motivated cyberattacks targeting the European Union and Ukraine were added to the EU’s sanctions list on Monday. The move marks the bloc’s growing use of its so-called “Cyber Diplomacy Toolbox” which attempts to discourage cyberattacks against member states.
Europe
Apple charged with breaching EU tech rules, faces another probe
Reuters
Foo Yun Che
European Union antitrust regulators charged on Monday that Apple, opens new tab breached the bloc's tech rules, a charge that could result in a hefty fine for the iPhone maker which also faces another investigation into new fees imposed on app developers. DMA violations could result in a fine of as much as 10% of a company's global annual turnover.
Commission sends preliminary findings to Apple and opens additional non-compliance investigation against Apple under the Digital Markets Act
European Commission
The European Commission has informed Apple of its preliminary view that its App Store rules are in breach of the Digital Markets Act, as they prevent app developers from freely steering consumers to alternative channels for offers and content. In addition, the Commission opened a new non-compliance procedure against Apple over concerns that its new contractual requirements for third-party app developers and app stores, including Apple's new “Core Technology Fee”, fall short of ensuring effective compliance with Apple's obligations under the DMA.
Explainer: What happens next in the EU investigation into Chinese EVs?
Reuters
Philip Blenkinsop
China and the European Commission have agreed to start talks on the planned imposition of tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles being imported into the European Union, opening the door to potential de-escalation. The European Commission is planning to impose provisional duties on EVs produced in China ranging from 17.4% to 38.1%, on top of its standard 10% tariff for car imports.
Gender & Women in Tech
‘What she’s doing is shaping not just Telstra, but Australia’
The Australian Financial Review
Tess Bennett
Cybersecurity boss Narelle Devine, the winner of the Tech & Telco category, uses lessons from a decade in the Navy to fight off international hacking attacks. Telstra’s cybersecurity boss Narelle Devine is the winner of the tech and telco category of The Australian Financial Review Women in Leadership Awards, with the judges recognising her strategic thinking and actions on the frontlines of Australia’s battle against cybercriminals.
Big Tech
UN launches global principles to combat online hate and demands big tech take action now
The Associated Press
Edith M. Lederer
The United Nations chief on Monday launched global principles to combat online hate and lies and demanded that big tech companies use their power to reduce the harm they are doing to people and societies around the world. Secretary-General António Guterres also demanded that advertising and public relations companies “stop monetizing harmful content” and strengthen information integrity.
Experts say Telegram’s ’30 engineers’ team is a security red flag
TechCrunch
Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai
Eva Galperin, the director of cybersecurity at the Electronic Frontier Foundation and a longtime expert in the security of at-risk users, said that it’s important to remember that Telegram, unlike Signal, is a lot more than just a messaging app. “What makes Telegram different (and much worse!) is that Telegram is not just a messaging app, it is also a social media platform. As a social media platform, it is sitting on an enormous amount of user data.
TikTok advertisers prepare contingency plans as US ban looms
Financial Times
Daniel Thomas
Agencies representing TikTok’s biggest advertisers are drawing up contingency plans as the US prepares to ban the popular video app, including seeking break clauses in their marketing contracts. ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent, has been given until January to either divest its US business or face a ban on the app by US lawmakers, who are concerned about security because of its links to China.
Artificial Intelligence
AI industry races to adapt chatbots to India’s many languages
Financial Times
Benjamin Parkin
Global tech companies and local start-ups are looking to unlock lucrative new markets in India with artificial intelligence platforms adapted for the vast range of languages and industries in the world’s most populous country. Microsoft, Google and start-ups including Silicon Valley-backed Sarvam AI and Krutrim — founded by Bhavish Aggarwal of Indian mobility group Ola — are all working on AI voice assistants and chatbots that function in languages such as Hindi and Tamil.
AI is helping scammers outsmart you — and your bank
The Australian
Dalvin Brown & Katherine Hamilton
Fraud-prevention officials say these tactics are often harder to spot because they bypass traditional indicators of scams, such as malicious links and poor wording and grammar. With AI as an accomplice, fraudsters are reaping more money from victims of all ages. People reported losing a record $US10b to scams in 2023, up from $US9bn a year prior, according to the FTC. Since the FTC estimates only 5 per cent of fraud victims report their losses, the actual number could be closer to $US200bn.
Misc
A comprehensive list of 2024 tech layoffs
TechCrunch
Cody Corrall & Alyssa Stringer
The tech layoff wave is still going strong in 2024. Following significant workforce reductions in 2022 and 2023, this year has already seen 60,000 job cuts across 254 companies, according to independent layoffs tracker Layoffs.fyi. By tracking these layoffs, we’re able to understand the impact on innovation across companies large and small. We’re also able to see the potential impact of businesses embracing AI and automation for jobs that had previously been considered safe.
Events & Podcasts
The future of elections: integrity and trust in a changing environment
ANU
This discussion will bring together actors from across government, civil society and academia to discuss the future of elections and how public trust in the integrity of our electoral systems can be strengthened.
The Sydney Dialogue
ASPI
The Sydney Dialogue was created to help bring together governments, businesses and civil society to discuss and progress policy options. We will forecast the technologies of the next decade that will change our societies, economies and national security, prioritising speakers and delegates who are willing to push the envelope. We will promote diverse views that stimulate real conversations about the best ways to seize opportunities and minimise risks.
ASPI – CNAS – RUSI | Trilateral AUKUS Dialogue
ASPI
The ASPI-CNAS-RUSI Trilateral AUKUS Dialogue is an initiative across leading Australian, American, and British think tanks to hold robust, pragmatic, and principled conversations about AUKUS and related national security and defense policies.This year’s Trilateral AUKUS Dialogue will explore the strategic landscape of the Indo-Pacific, regional perspectives on AUKUS, and critical issues regarding tech diplomacy, technology sharing, and legislative environments necessary to deliver capabilities to meet the pact’s purposes for enhancing deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. The Dialogue will be held on 17-18 June 2024 in Washington, DC.
Connecting the dots on privacy, security, & online safety for young people
Future of Privacy Forum and ASPI
Join us for the live webinar, Connecting the Dots on Privacy, Security, and Online Safety for Young People in Australia, co-hosted by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute and the Future of Privacy Forum on June 26 at 11:00am - 1:00pm Australian Eastern Time. In our increasingly digital world, the boundaries of our expectations related to privacy, security and online safety are stretched more and more – by technology companies, criminals and harm-doers, as well as regulators. Finding a good balance that ensures appropriate protection for members of our community in their use of digital products and services is complicated.
The Daily Cyber & Tech Digest is brought to you by the Cyber, Technology & Security team at ASPI.