Technology
9th September 2026
Trump Administration to Confront Australia Over Social Media Algorithm Rules
Washington warns trading partners against imposing fines and taxes on US technology companies as Australia seeks new platform restrictions.
The Trump administration plans to challenge Australia over proposed legislation that would require digital platforms to delete harmful content and enable users to opt out of algorithmically generated 'for you' feeds. Under the Australian Labor government's proposed regulations, major tech companies could face fines exceeding $100 million for violations.
The White House warned international trading partners against imposing digital services taxes, fines, and other measures it characterized as extortion against the American tech sector, escalating potential trade friction over digital governance.
- Australia's proposed laws would require social platforms to allow feed opt-outs and mandate harmful content removal under threat of $100m+ fines.
- The Trump administration criticized foreign digital taxes and fines, treating them as targeted pressure against US tech firms.
Sources: The Guardian Technology
9th September 2026
Apple Expected to Unveil Folding iPhone Under New CEO John Ternus
The annual product announcement marks the first major test for Ternus alongside a significant design evolution for the flagship device.
Apple is expected to reveal a foldable iPhone during its annual fall product announcement, marking what is described as the most significant modification to the device since its initial release in 2007. The new design is anticipated to open and close like a passport, effectively doubling the screen size available to users.
The product launch serves as the first major test for John Ternus, who officially took over as Apple's chief executive officer last week as industry attention focuses on the leadership transition.
- The expected folding iPhone design would double screen size by opening and closing like a passport.
- The launch is the first high-profile event for John Ternus since becoming CEO last week.
Sources: The Guardian Technology
9th September 2026
UK Data Centres Will Create Quarter of Industry Job Forecasts, Study Finds
Environmental thinktank Verdant estimates planned facilities will generate 10,400 direct jobs compared to the 40,000 claimed by trade groups.
Data centres currently planned across the UK will directly employ only a quarter of the workers projected by tech industry representatives, according to new research from environmental thinktank Verdant. The thinktank estimates the facilities will directly employ 10,400 workers, contrasting with projections of more than 40,000 published by lobby group TechUK.
The report emphasizes that while employment gains will be substantially lower than industry figures suggest, the facilities will still draw vast amounts of energy from the UK power grid.
- Thinktank Verdant estimates planned UK data centres will directly employ 10,400 people, far below TechUK's 40,000 job estimate.
- The facilities are projected to deliver limited direct employment despite consuming large amounts of energy.
Sources: The Guardian Technology
9th September 2026
Meta Continues Running Ads Promoting CSAM in India, Report Finds
A new report indicates Instagram owner Meta has failed to halt paid promotions of child sexual abuse material.
Meta is continuing to run advertisements promoting child sexual abuse material on its platforms in India, according to a new report.
The report follows an earlier investigation conducted by BBC Eye, which found that Instagram was accepting paid advertising that promoted child sexual abuse material within the country.
- A new report finds Meta is still serving paid advertisements promoting child sexual abuse material in India.
- The findings build on a prior investigation by BBC Eye into Instagram's ad system.
Sources: BBC Technology