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Apple’s ‘Lockdown Mode’ to target hackers

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Apple is set to release a new ‘Lockdown Mode’ feature, which will add protections for people targeted by hackers

Apple is seeking to stamp out iPhone hacking by giving vulnerable targets the chance to ‘lock out’ suspicious links or activity.

The feature is a major win for human rights advocates, political activists and other prominent figures.

“Apple makes the most secure mobile devices on the market. Lockdown mode is a groundbreaking capability that reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting users from even the rarest, most sophisticated attacks.”

Apple’s head of security engineering and architecture, Ivan Krstić

It will work in conjunction with the ‘Messages’ app by stamping out any unknown links.

The company says it “is an extreme, optional protection for the very small number of users who face grave, targeted threats to their digital security”.

It comes after two Israeli two firms were able to break into iPhones without the target clicking on any links.

The attacks were reportedly carried out by the NSO Group, which is behind the controversial Pegasus Spyware.

The group has been placed on a U.S. blacklist.

The ‘Lockdown’ feature will come to Apple’s iPhones, iPads and Macs in the coming months.

Costa is a news producer at ticker NEWS. He has previously worked as a regional journalist at the Southern Highlands Express newspaper. He also has several years' experience in the fire and emergency services sector, where he has worked with researchers, policymakers and local communities. He has also worked at the Seven Network during their Olympic Games coverage and in the ABC Melbourne newsroom. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Professional), with expertise in journalism, politics and international relations. His other interests include colonial legacies in the Pacific, counter-terrorism, aviation and travel.

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Simple messaging solutions for small business owners

Fext offers simple messaging automation for small businesses to improve customer connections without complicated technology

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Fext offers simple messaging automation for small businesses to improve customer connections without complicated technology

In Short:
– Small business owners seek simple tech solutions for customer connections, avoiding complex systems.
– Fext offers automated messaging, allowing users to communicate efficiently without group chats.

Small business owners often seek straightforward solutions to connect with customers using minimal technology. Gonenc Mete from Fext discusses how these owners tend to avoid complex tech systems. His experience in Silicon Valley highlights the desire for simple, effective tools to manage everyday tasks.

Currently, many small business owners manage customer communications primarily through their phones. They often resort to sending repeated messages by copy-pasting, which can be time-consuming.

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The solution with Fext is a messaging automation feature. Users can compose a single message and send it to multiple recipients without the hassle of group chats..

The Fext app is available internationally, with strong user bases in Australia and New Zealand.
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OpenAI, Jony Ive’s AI device faces significant delays

OpenAI and Jony Ive’s AI device faces significant delays due to technical and infrastructure challenges ahead of its launch

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OpenAI and Jony Ive’s AI device faces significant delays due to technical and infrastructure challenges ahead of its launch

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In Short:
– OpenAI and Jony Ive face significant challenges for their AI device, delaying its launch to 2026.
– Technical issues include computing power shortages and difficulties defining the AI’s personality and behaviour.
OpenAI and Jony Ive’s collaboration on an AI device is facing significant technical challenges, leading to potential delays in its launch.
The partnership began after OpenAI’s acquisition of Ive’s design studio, io, for $6.5 billion. The current target for release is set for 2026.Banner

The primary obstacle is the need for adequate computing power for widespread deployment. Insiders revealed that OpenAI is struggling to secure enough compute resources for current applications, let alone the device design focused on continuous interaction.

Compute Issues

Development teams are also navigating challenges in defining the AI’s personality and behaviour.

Creating an assistant that is both engaging and appropriately responsive has proven difficult, as the design aims to foster a friendly interaction style without veering into overly chatty or insincere exchanges.

Legal issues add to the complications, including a trademark dispute with audio startup Iyo, resulting in the removal of “io” branding from promotional materials. Manufacturing is ongoing, with partnerships established, including with Chinese company Luxshare.

As OpenAI prepares for the upcoming DevDay 2025 conference, the company is under pressure to showcase progress, especially as competitors like Apple and Google advance their AI projects.

The focus remains on overcoming existing hurdles while optimising development strategies for the future of AI devices.


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Indonesia lifts TikTok suspension after compliance with requests

Indonesia swiftly reinstates TikTok’s licence after compliance with data-sharing demands regarding August protests

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Indonesia swiftly reinstates TikTok’s licence after compliance with data-sharing demands regarding August protests

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In Short:
– Indonesia lifted TikTok’s suspension after it provided required protest-related data to the government.
– The incident underscores increasing tensions between Southeast Asian governments and tech companies over data transparency.
Indonesia has lifted TikTok’s operating license suspension on October 4, one day after imposing the penalty. The decision followed TikTok’s compliance with government demands for data related to protests in August.The rapid resolution illustrates rising tensions between Southeast Asian governments and global tech companies regarding data transparency during politically sensitive events.

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Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs confirmed that TikTok submitted necessary data on livestream traffic and monetisation during the protests occurring between August 25 and 30, 2025. This submission occurred on the same day of the suspension announcement, restoring TikTok’s registration as an electronic system operator.

The suspension was initially triggered by TikTok’s partial data submission by a September 23 deadline, citing internal privacy constraints on full compliance.

Regulatory Context

The data dispute arose amid violent demonstrations in late August, protesting excessive lawmakers’ allowances and police brutality, particularly following the death of a motorcycle taxi driver on August 28. Authorities found accounts allegedly linked to illegal gambling using TikTok’s livestream feature, prompting TikTok to suspend this function temporarily.

The incident highlights Indonesia’s assertive stance on tech regulation, particularly given its significance as TikTok’s second-largest market globally. The platform has faced various regulatory challenges in Indonesia, including a recent $900,000 antitrust fine for late notification regarding its Tokopedia acquisition.

Despite the suspension, TikTok remained accessible throughout the regulatory process, stating its commitment to comply with local laws.


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