Internet
Spark to crack down on objectionable material, cyber risks and scams
Spark is set to become the first internet service provider in New Zealand to join the Internet Watch Foundation
AI to outsmart humans, take 'charge of everything' - godfather of AI says
The man widely regarded as the architect of AI as we know it is worried the technology is becoming too powerful. Audio
US Congress passes law that might ban TikTok
The Chinese-owned app is now facing its greatest threat in the US since the Trump administration.
Do you need a letterbox?
How often is there a letter in your letterbox? Once upon a time it was the main mode of communication, but it looks like the days of the humble letter are drying up. Annual statistics show a steady… Audio
Group wants stronger internet censors
A group wanting wider and tougher restrictions on illegal sexual content on the internet says Aotearoa is falling behind in protecting children from online harm.
The voluntary system, administered by… Audio
'Manipulated' photo of Princess Kate shows we can't trust what we see
News agencies have been pulling the photo of the Princess of Wales over concerns the photo has been edited. Psychologist and AI commentator Paul Duignan says it's the latest bizarre event in a… Audio
The strange Kate Middleton phenomenon
Whether you're a fan of the royal family or not, it's been hard to avoid the recent hurricane of questions, conspiracies and memes taking over the internet, asking where on earth the Princess of… Audio
Meghan: 'We've forgotten our humanity' on social media
The Duchess of Sussex has criticised the "seemingly endless toxicity" of social media, revealing she was targeted with "bullying and abuse" while pregnant with Archie and Lilibet.
American lawmakers move to ban TikTok with new bill
The bill focuses on threats posed by foreign-owned companies, and would force the Chinese owner of TikTok, ByteDance, to either divest itself of the popular app or face prohibition in the U.S. Audio
TikTok crackdown bill unanimously approved by US House panel
The US House Energy and Commerce committee on Thursday unanimously approved legislation giving China's ByteDance six months to divest from short video app TikTok or face a US ban.
The Pre-Panel for 6 March 2024
Today on the Pre-Panel, Wallace Chapman previews tonight's show and producer Ayana Piper-Healion joins to discuss the fragility of our internet connection and the international relations surrounding… Audio
Xtra mail to increase costs
If you have an xtra.co.nz email address, big and potentially expensive changes are coming.
Spark, which runs Xtra Mail, has announced it will increase the cost of the email service, citing… Audio
What the small screen did to magazines
Magazines are facing extinction by internet. Are they special enough to save? Audio
Online conspiracies abound over Kate Middleton's absence
In January, Kate Middleton underwent abdominal surgery for an undisclosed issue. While the palace has said she is recovering well at home, she has not been seen since. Audio
Smoke, but no fire over data regulation
A new report has found seven out of ten Australians feel they have little or no control over how their data is being used online, with many expressing anger, frustration and distrust. Audio
Ted Talk Curator Chris Anderson
Ted talk curator Chris Anderson believes this mantra can remedy some of the world's biggest problems. His book is called Infectious Generosity: The Ultimate Idea Worth Spreading. Audio
A lifeboat to keep news afloat?
Last week the great and good of New Zealand’s news media urged MPs to back a law change to make Google and Facebook pay them for their news. They say the income could be critical to the survival of… Audio
Florida passes bill banning social media for children under 16
The bill, passed in the state's Republican-controlled House of Representatives, forces social media platforms to terminate their accounts and use third-party verification to screen under-age users.
Former Health NZ employee in court over leaked Covid-19 vaccine data
A former Health New Zealand employee accused of leaking Covid-19 vaccine data has appeared in court on Friday, with dozens of supporters in the public gallery.
Barry Young pleaded not guilty in… Audio
Strongly held beliefs fuel online cancel culture, study finds
A New Zealand researcher found that the desire to show off one's moral beliefs explains why people engage in cancel culture online. Audio