Think: Digital Futures

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Predicting super bugs Nov 20, 2020

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Scientists have been warning the world about the rise of anti-microbial resistance for decades now- some strains of diseases like gonorrhea, tuberculosis and staph infections are almost completely resistant to even our most powerful drugs. A new project, headed up by the University of Technology Sydney, is working on tracking where this resistance develops, and predicting where resistant microbes might pop up next. We speak to some of the scientists on the project, about how it works, and who it can help.

Block to the future Nov 13, 2020

Show notes

Blockchain, Bitcoin... maybe you switch off when you hear those terms. But the cutting edge technology, and all the exciting possibilities it raises, can be summed up in one word: trust.

From making sure your coffee really is fair trade, to trading solar power hours with your neighbour, blockchain is taking is to the future.

Online elections Nov 04, 2020

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As more of our lives move online, could our democratic rights also be exercised on the internet? Is voting from your phone or computer as safe as popping your ballot into a cardboard box on election day? This week we look at the ins and out of electronic voting- how it's used, and how it could be expanded on in Australia.

Creeping capability Oct 09, 2020

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Since 2015, Australia has been developing a database of citizen's biometrics, to be fed into facial recognition software for the purpose of combating crime and identity theft. Most Australians are unaware of the scheme- but if you have a passport or state issued photo ID, your face is in this vast database. In this episode we look at the efficacy of facial recognition, and the implications of its use in Australia.

A fair fight Oct 02, 2020

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The world's biggest tech companies are in a big fight... with an Australian organisation. The ACCC has presented a plan that will force Facebook and Google pay more for news content shared on their sites. It could save the dying journalism industry, but so far, they're not playing ball.

How will tech affect our human rights? Aug 28, 2020

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In this special episode, we sit down with the Human Rights Commissioner Ed Santow. How does technology stand to affect our human rights? Facial recognition, AI, predictive policing... we discuss it all ahead of the AHRC report due out later this year.

Can a hashtag save a life? Aug 21, 2020

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Social media has well and truly become a place of activism. With current COVID restrictions, that is now necessary, with public gatherings banned. How effective is activism online? Derided as "slacktivism", is there nonetheless real world results from our online stands?

All quiet on the regional front Aug 07, 2020

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Regional news has been on the decline ever since the advent of the internet. COVID has exacerbated the decline sharply.

Without a local publication, huge swaths of regional Australia are becoming "news deserts". As we turn more and more to social media for our information, what is the future of news in a digital world?

The Gambling Bug Jul 31, 2020

Show notes

It doesn’t take much to realise that gambling is fast becoming part of our everyday. From the pokies, sports betting, online games and apps, gambling is everywhere and accessible at any time. While the temptations are manageable for some, for others they can be difficult to shake. In the time of the coronavirus shutdown, medical experts have aired concerns for the general public, who they say are just as vulnerable to addiction as anyone else.

Is telehealth here to stay? Jul 28, 2020

Show notes

Telehealth has seen a rapid expansion since March, as the government scrambled to slow the spread of coronavirus. Medical professionals have welcomed the changes, and medical associations are calling for them to stay in place after the pandemic is over. So why did it take a pandemic to bring telehealth to all patients? And is it an adequate substitute for in person health appointments.

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