Artificial intelligence

AI cloaking helps hackers dodge browser defences

Cybercriminals increasingly use AI-powered cloaking tools to bypass browser security systems and trick users into visiting scam websites.

These tools conceal malicious content from automated scanners, showing it only to human visitors, making it harder to detect phishing attacks and malware delivery.

Platforms such as Hoax Tech and JS Click Cloaker are being used to filter web traffic and serve fake pages to victims while hiding them from security systems.

The AI behind these services analyses a visitor’s browser, location, and behaviour before deciding which version of a site to display.

Known as white page and black page cloaking, the technique shows harmless content to detection tools and harmful pages to real users. However, this allows fraudulent sites to live longer, boosting the effectiveness and lifespan of cyberattacks.

Experts warn that cloaking is no longer a fringe method but a core part of cybercrime, now available as a commercial service. As these tactics grow more sophisticated, the pressure increases on browser developers to improve detection and protect users more effectively.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

TikTok adopts crowd‑sourced verification tool to combat misinformation

TikTok has rolled out Footnotes in the United States, its crowd‑sourced debunking initiative to supplement existing misinformation controls.

Vetted contributors will write and rate explanatory notes beneath videos flagged as misleading or ambiguous. If a note earns broad support, it becomes visible to all US users.

The system uses a ‘bridging‑based’ ranking framework to encourage agreement between users with differing viewpoints, making the process more robust and reducing partisan bias. Initially launched as a pilot, the platform has already enlisted nearly 80,000 eligible US users.

Footnotes complements TikTok’s integrity setup, including automated detection, human moderation, and partnerships with fact‑checking groups like AFP. Platform leaders note that effectiveness improves as contributors engage more across various topics.

Past research shows comparable crowd‑sourced systems often struggle to publish most submissions, with fewer than 10% of Notes appearing publicly on other platforms. Concerns remain over the system’s scalability and potential misuse.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Google rolls out AI age detection to protect teen users

In a move aimed at enhancing online protections for minors, Google has started rolling out a machine learning-based age estimation system for signed-in users in the United States.

The new system uses AI to identify users who are likely under the age of 18, with the goal of providing age-appropriate digital experiences and strengthening privacy safeguards.

Initially deployed to a small number of users, the system is part of Google’s broader initiative to align its platforms with the evolving needs of children and teenagers growing up in a digitally saturated world.

‘Children today are growing up with technology, not growing into it like previous generations. So we’re working directly with experts and educators to help you set boundaries and use technology in a way that’s right for your family,’ the company explained in a statement.

The system builds on changes first previewed earlier this year and reflects Google’s ongoing efforts to comply with regulatory expectations and public demand for better youth safety online.

Once a user is flagged by the AI as likely underage, Google will introduce a range of restrictions—most notably in advertising, content recommendation, and data usage.

According to the company, users identified as minors will have personalised advertising disabled and will be shielded from ad categories deemed sensitive. These protections will be enforced across Google’s entire advertising ecosystem, including AdSense, AdMob, and Ad Manager.

The company’s publishing partners were informed via email this week that no action will be required on their part, as the changes will be implemented automatically.

Google’s blog post titled ‘Ensuring a safer online experience for US kids and teens’ explains that its machine learning model estimates age based on behavioural signals, such as search history and video viewing patterns.

If a user is mistakenly flagged or wishes to confirm their age, Google will offer verification tools, including the option to upload a government-issued ID or submit a selfie.

The company stressed that the system is designed to respect user privacy and does not involve collecting new types of data. Instead, it aims to build a privacy-preserving infrastructure that supports responsible content delivery while minimising third-party data sharing.

Beyond advertising, the new protections extend into other parts of the user experience. For those flagged as minors, Google will disable Timeline location tracking in Google Maps and also add digital well-being features on YouTube, such as break reminders and bedtime prompts.

Google will also tweak recommendation algorithms to avoid promoting repetitive content on YouTube, and restrict access to adult-rated applications in the Play Store for flagged minors.

The initiative is not Google’s first foray into child safety technology. The company already offers Family Link for parental controls and YouTube Kids as a tailored platform for younger audiences.

However, the deployment of automated age estimation reflects a more systemic approach, using AI to enforce real-time, scalable safety measures. Google maintains that these updates are part of a long-term investment in user safety, digital literacy, and curating age-appropriate content.

Similar initiatives have already been tested in international markets, and the company announces it will closely monitor the US rollout before considering broader implementation.

‘This is just one part of our broader commitment to online safety for young users and families,’ the blog post reads. ‘We’ve continually invested in technology, policies, and literacy resources to better protect kids and teens across our platforms.’

Nonetheless, the programme is likely to attract scrutiny. Critics may question the accuracy of AI-powered age detection and whether the measures strike the right balance between safety, privacy, and personal autonomy — or risk overstepping.

Some parents and privacy advocates may also raise concerns about the level of visibility and control families will have over how children are identified and managed by the system.

As public pressure grows for tech firms to take greater responsibility in protecting vulnerable users, Google’s rollout may signal the beginning of a new industry standard.

The shift towards AI-based age assurance reflects a growing consensus that digital platforms must proactively mitigate risks for young users through smarter, more adaptive technologies.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Microsoft’s Cloud and AI strategy lifts revenue beyond expectations

Microsoft has reported better-than-expected results for the fourth quarter of its 2025 fiscal year, attributing much of its success to the continued expansion of its cloud services and the integration of AI.

‘Cloud and AI are the driving force of business transformation across every industry and sector,’ said Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s chairman and chief executive, in a statement on Wednesday.

For the first time, Nadella disclosed annual revenue figures for Microsoft Azure, the company’s cloud computing platform. Azure generated more than $75 billion in the fiscal year ending 30 June, representing a 34 percent increase compared to the previous year.

Nadella noted that this growth was ‘driven by growth across all workloads’, including those powered by AI. On average, Azure contributed approximately $19 billion in revenue per quarter.

While this trails Amazon Web Services (AWS), which posted net sales of $29 billion in the first quarter alone, Azure remains a strong second in the cloud market. Google Cloud, by comparison, has an annual run rate of $50 billion, according to parent company Alphabet’s Q2 2025 earnings report.

‘We continue to lead the AI infrastructure wave and took share each quarter this year,’ Nadella told investors during the company’s earnings call.

However, he did not provide specific figures showing how AI factored into the results, a point of interest for financial analysts given Microsoft’s projected $80 billion in capital expenditures this fiscal year to support AI-related data centre expansion.

During the call, Bernstein Research senior analyst Mark Moerdler asked how businesses might ultimately monetise AI as a software service.

Nadella responded with a broad comparison to the cloud business, suggesting the two were now deeply connected. It was left to CFO Amy Hood to offer a more structured explanation.

‘There’s a per-user logic,’ Hood explained. ‘There are tiers of per-user. Sometimes those tiers relate to consumption. Sometimes there are pure consumption models. I think you’ll continue to see a blending of these, especially as the AI model capability grows.’

In essence, Microsoft intends to monetise AI in a manner similar to its traditional software offerings—charging either per user, by usage tier, or based on consumption.

With AI now embedded across Microsoft’s portfolio of products and services, the company appears to be positioning itself to keep attributing more of its revenue to AI-powered innovation.

The numbers suggest there is plenty of revenue to go around. Microsoft posted $76.4 billion in revenue for the quarter, up 18 percent compared to the same period last year.

Operating income stood at $34.3 billion (up 23 percent), with net income reaching $27.2 billion (up 24 percent). Earnings per share climbed 24 percent to $3.65.

For the full fiscal year, Microsoft reported $281.7 billion in revenue—an increase of 15 percent. Operating income rose to $128.5 billion (up 17 percent), while net income hit $101.8 billion (up 16 percent). Annual earnings per share reached $13.64, also up by 16 percent.

Azure forms part of Microsoft’s Intelligent Cloud division, which generated $29.9 billion in quarterly revenue, a 26 percent year-on-year increase.

The Productivity and Business Processes group, which includes Microsoft 365, LinkedIn, and Dynamics, managed to earn $33.1 billion, upping its revenue by 16 percent. Meanwhile, the More Personal Computing segment, covering Windows, Xbox, and advertising, grew nine percent to $13.5 billion.

Despite some concerns among analysts regarding Microsoft’s significant capital spending and the ambiguous short-term returns on AI investments, investor confidence remains strong.

Microsoft’s share price jumped roughly eight percent after the earnings announcement, pushing its market capitalisation above $4 trillion in after-hours trading. It became only the second company, after Nvidia, to cross that symbolic threshold.

Market observers noted that while questions remain over the precise monetisation of AI, Microsoft’s aggressive positioning in cloud infrastructure and AI services has clearly resonated with shareholders.

With AI now woven into the company’s strategic fabric, Microsoft appears determined to maintain its lead in the next phase of enterprise computing.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Taiwan university launches smart farming lab

A new AI-powered agriculture lab in southern Taiwan has opened at the National Pingtung University of Science and Technology. The facility has cutting-edge sensors and automation systems to boost innovative farming capabilities.

Funded by a donation from Taiwan Hipoint, the lab enables real-time monitoring of crop conditions and automated adjustments to growing environments. The AI system analyses sensor and image data to optimise greenhouse conditions and detect early signs of pests or diseases.

Specialised chambers inside the lab simulate various environmental conditions, helping researchers identify ideal settings for plant growth. University staff say the technology is expected to play a crucial role in making agriculture more precise and resource-efficient.

The university also hosted a hands-on greenhouse training camp and showcased its innovations at a major food expo. Located near key research centres, the university aims to become Taiwan’s leading hub for agricultural technology and innovation.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Children’s screen time debate heats up as experts question evidence

A growing number of scientists are questioning whether fears over children’s screen time are truly backed by evidence. While many parents worry about smartphones, social media, and gaming, experts say the science behind these concerns is often flawed or inconsistent.

Professor Pete Etchells of Bath Spa University and other researchers argue that common claims about screen time harming adolescent brains or causing depression lack strong evidence.

Much of the existing research relies on self-reported data and fails to account for critical factors like loneliness or the type of screen engagement.

One major study found no link between screen use and poor mental wellbeing, while others stress the importance of distinguishing between harmful content and positive online interaction.

Still, many campaigners and psychologists maintain that screen restrictions are vital. Groups such as Smartphone Free Childhood are pushing to delay access to smartphones and social media.

Others, like Professor Jean Twenge, say the risks of screen overuse—less sleep, reduced social time, and more time alone—create a ‘terrible formula for mental health.’

With unclear guidance and evolving science, parents face tough choices in a rapidly changing tech world. As screens become more common via AI, smart glasses, and virtual communities, the focus shifts to how children can use technology wisely and safely.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot! 

China demands Nvidia explain security flaws in H20 chips

China’s top internet regulator has summoned Nvidia to explain alleged security concerns linked to its H20 computing chips.

The Cyberspace Administration of China stated that the chips, which are sold domestically, may contain backdoor vulnerabilities that could pose risks to users and systems.

Instead of ignoring the issue, Nvidia has been asked to submit technical documents and provide a formal response addressing these potential flaws.

The chips are part of Nvidia’s tailored product line for the Chinese market following US export restrictions on advanced AI processors.

The investigation signals tighter scrutiny from Chinese authorities on foreign technology amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and a global race for semiconductor dominance.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Apple’s $20B Google deal under threat as AI lags behind rivals

Apple is set to release Q3 earnings on Thursday amid scrutiny over its Google search deal dependencies and ongoing struggles with AI progress.

Typically, Apple’s fiscal Q3 garners less investor attention, with anticipation focused instead on the upcoming iPhone launch in Q4. However, this quarter is proving to be anything but ordinary.

Analysts and shareholders alike are increasingly concerned about two looming threats: a potential $20 billion hit to Apple’s Services revenue tied to the US Department of Justice’s (DOJ) antitrust case against Google, and ongoing delays in Apple’s AI efforts.

Ahead of the earnings report, Apple shares were mostly unchanged, reflecting investor caution rather than enthusiasm. Apple’s most pressing challenge stems from its lucrative partnership with Google.

In 2022, Google paid Apple approximately $20 billion to remain the default search engine in the Safari browser and across Siri.

The exclusivity deal has formed a significant portion of Apple’s Services segment, which generated $78.1 billion in revenue that year, making Google’s contribution alone account for more than 25% of that figure.

However, a ruling expected next month from Judge Amit Mehta in the US District Court for the District of Columbia could threaten the entire arrangement. Mehta previously found Google guilty of operating an illegal monopoly in the search market.

The forthcoming ‘remedies’ ruling could force Google to end exclusive search deals, divest its Chrome browser, and provide data access to rivals. Should the DOJ’s proposed remedies stand and Google fails to overturn the ruling, Apple could lose a critical source of Services revenue.

According to Morgan Stanley’s Erik Woodring, Apple could see a 12% decline in its full-year 2027 earnings per share (EPS) if it pivots to less lucrative partnerships with alternative search engines.

The user experience may also deteriorate if customers can no longer set Google as their default option. A more radical scenario, Apple launching its search engine, could dent its 2024 EPS by as much as 20%, though analysts believe this outcome is the least likely.

Alongside regulatory threats, Apple is also facing growing doubts about its ability to compete in AI. Apple has not yet set a clear timeline for releasing an upgraded version of Siri, while rivals accelerate AI hiring and unveil new capabilities.

Bank of America analyst Wamsi Mohan noted this week that persistent delays undermine confidence in Apple’s ability to deliver innovation at the pace. ‘Apple’s ability to drive future growth depends on delivering new capabilities and products on time,’ he wrote to investors.

‘If deadlines keep slipping, that potentially delays revenue opportunities and gives competitors a larger window to attract customers.’

While Apple has teased upcoming AI features for future software updates, the lack of a commercial rollout or product roadmap has made investors uneasy, particularly as rivals like Microsoft, Google, and OpenAI continue to set the AI agenda.

Although Apple’s stock remained stable before Thursday’s earnings release, any indication of slowing services growth or missed AI milestones could shake investor confidence.

Analysts will be watching closely for commentary from CEO Tim Cook on how Apple plans to navigate regulatory risks and revive momentum in emerging technologies.

The company’s current crossroads is pivotal for the tech sector more broadly. Regulators are intensifying scrutiny on platform dominance, and AI innovation is fast becoming the new battleground for long-term growth.

As Apple attempts to defend its business model and rekindle its innovation edge, Thursday’s earnings update could serve as a bellwether for its direction in the post-iPhone era.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Australian companies unite cybersecurity defences to combat AI threats

Australian companies are increasingly adopting unified, cloud-based cybersecurity systems as AI reshapes both threats and defences.

A new report from global research firm ISG reveals that many enterprises are shifting away from fragmented, uncoordinated tools and instead opting for centralised platforms that can better detect and counter sophisticated AI-driven attacks.

The rapid rise of generative AI has introduced new risks, including deepfakes, voice cloning and misinformation campaigns targeting elections and public health.

In response, organisations are reinforcing identity protections and integrating AI into their security operations to improve both speed and efficiency. These tools also help offset a growing shortage of cybersecurity professionals.

After a rushed move to the cloud during the pandemic, many businesses retained outdated perimeter-focused security systems. Now, firms are switching to cloud-first strategies that target vulnerabilities at endpoints and prevent misconfigurations instead of relying on legacy solutions.

By reducing overlap in systems like identity management and threat detection, businesses are streamlining defences for better resilience.

ISG also notes a shift in how companies choose cybersecurity providers. Firms like IBM, PwC, Deloitte and Accenture are seen as leaders in the Australian market, while companies such as TCS and AC3 have been flagged as rising stars.

The report further highlights growing demands for compliance and data retention, signalling a broader national effort to enhance cyber readiness across industries.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

AI won’t replace coaches, but it will replace coaching without outcomes

Many coaches believe AI could never replace the human touch. They pride themselves on emotional intelligence — their empathy, intuition, and ability to read between the lines. They consider these traits irreplaceable. But that belief could be costing them their business.

The reason AI poses a real threat to coaching isn’t because machines are becoming more human. It’s because they’re becoming more effective. And clients aren’t hiring coaches for human connection — they’re hiring them for outcomes.

People seek coaches to overcome challenges, make decisions, or experience a transformation. They want results — and they want them as quickly and painlessly as possible. If AI can deliver those results faster and more conveniently, many clients will choose it without hesitation.

So what should coaches do? They shouldn’t ignore AI, fear it, or dismiss it as a passing fad. Instead, they should learn how to integrate it. Live, one-to-one sessions still matter. They provide the deepest insights and most lasting impact. But coaching must now extend beyond the session.

Coaching must be supported by systems that make success inevitable — and AI is the key to building those systems. Here lies a fundamental disconnect: coaches often believe their value lies in personal connections.

Clients, on the other hand, value results. The gap is where AI is stepping in — and where forward-thinking coaches are stepping up. Currently, most coaches are trapped in a model that trades time for money. More sessions, they assume, equals more transformation.

However, this model doesn’t scale. Many are burning out trying to serve everyone personally. Meanwhile, the most strategic among them are turning their coaching into scalable assets: digital products, automated workflows, and AI-trained tools that do their job around the clock.

They’re not being replaced by AI. They’re being amplified by it. The coaches are packaging their methods into online courses that clients can revisit between sessions. They’re building tools that track client progress automatically, offering midnight reassurance when doubts creep in.

The coaches are even training AI on their own frameworks, allowing clients to access support informed by the coach’s actual thinking — not generic chatbot responses. The business model in question isn’t science fiction. It’s already happening.

AI can be trained on your transcripts, methodologies, and session notes. It can conduct initial assessments and reinforce your teachings between meetings. Your clients receive consistent, on-demand support — and you free up time for the deep, human work only you can do.

Coaches who embrace this now will dominate their niches tomorrow. Even the content generated from coaching sessions is underutilised. Every call contains valuable insights — breakthroughs, reframes, moments of clarity.

The insights shouldn’t stay confined to just one client. Strip away personal details, extract the universal truths, and turn those insights into content that attracts your next ideal client. AI can also help you uncover patterns across your coaching history.

Feed your notes into analysis tools, and you might find that 80% of your executive clients hit the same obstacle in month three. Or that a particular intervention consistently delivers rapid breakthroughs.

The insights help you refine your practice and anticipate challenges before they arise — making your coaching more effective and less predictable. Then there’s the admin. Scheduling, invoicing, progress tracking — all of it can be automated.

Tools like Zapier or Make can optimise such repetitive tasks, giving you back hours each week. That’s time better spent on transformation, not operations. Your clients don’t want tradition. They want transformation.

The coaches who succeed in this new era will be those who understand that human insight and AI systems are not in competition. They’re complementary. Choose one area where AI could support your work — a progress tracker, a digital guide, or a content workflow. Start there.

The future of coaching doesn’t belong to the ones who resist AI. It belongs to those who combine wisdom with scalability. Your enhanced coaching model is waiting to be built — and your future clients are waiting to experience it.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!