The Guardian · 25 Aug, 05:11
The Australian federal court has found that eHarmony engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct by using 'subscription traps' that cost customers hundreds of dollars. The court ruled that eHarmony's practices, including automatic renewal of premium memberships, were in breach of Australian consumer law.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) sued eHarmony in 2023 over claims of providing free dating on its platform and misleading consumers about subscription costs and renewal terms. The federal court found that eHarmony engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct in six different aspects of its operations, including representing that basic free membership allowed users to communicate with others for dating, pricing, and automatic renewal information. The court heard that customers were unaware they were signed up for automatic renewal until their credit cards were charged hundreds of dollars. The ACCC received hundreds of complaints from consumers about eHarmony's memberships.
Why it matters: The court's ruling highlights the need for clarity in ongoing subscriptions and the importance of transparent practices in digital services. The ACCC is concerned about 'subscription traps' and 'dark patterns' that unfairly impact consumer choice, and has committed to taking action against businesses that engage in misleading conduct in the digital economy.
1.3 million, 258,956, 44,856, 7,148, $478.80, $598.80
The fact that a premium subscription plan was automatically renewed on a non-refundable annual subscription at a higher undiscounted price was a significant matter that should have been disclosed more prominently and at an earlier point in the purchase process.
The Guardian · 25 Aug, 05:03
Woolworths' recent promotion of Disney 'Ooshie' collectibles has led to a short-term slump in competitor Coles' sales as parents shopped at Woolworths to collect the toys. The promotion, which ended early due to high demand, has captivated Australian children and led to a surge in online trading.
Woolworths' latest Disney 'Ooshie' collectibles promotion has caused a short-term slump in Coles' sales as parents shopped at Woolworths to collect the toys. The promotion, which was scheduled to end on Tuesday but ended early due to high demand, allowed customers to collect Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars characters after spending $30. Coles' CEO, Leah Weckert, said the moderation in sales was a 'temporary impact' lasting nearly four weeks, mostly affecting bricks-and-mortar shops.
Why it matters: The impact of Woolworths' Ooshies promotion on Coles' sales is significant as it shows the influence of collectible promotions on consumer behavior and sales. The craze has also raised concerns about the environmental impact of the plastic toys and the social effects on children, with some schools banning the trading of Ooshies.
40 characters, $30, $750, 97%, 1%, 5.3%, 5.7%, 45,000 members, 2,500 members, 12 months, 4 weeks
You know it was a good one when you get banned from the school yard! What an amazing campaign from the Woolworths, Disney and Headstart teams! - Alan Ngov
The Guardian · 25 Aug, 05:00
Scotland is facing a backlash against a proposed boom in datacentre developments, with locals objecting to the large scale of the planned facilities and their potential environmental impact. The growing opposition could pose a challenge to Britain's AI strategy.
A real estate consultancy plans to build a large datacentre in Auchertool, Fife, which has attracted 1,600 objections from locals. The proposed datacentre would be 35 metres high and cover an area larger than 100 football pitches. Similar concerns are being raised about planned developments in other towns in Scotland. The Scottish government has taken steps to regulate datacentre developments, including requiring planning authorities to notify the government when they receive an application for a datacentre larger than 50MW.
Why it matters: The proposed datacentre developments could have a significant impact on Scotland's landscape and resource consumption. The growing opposition to these developments could pose a challenge to Britain's AI strategy, which relies on the growth of datacentres. A moratorium on datacentre development is being considered, which could affect not only the proposed developments in Scotland but also the UK's AI growth plans.
600MW (datacentre power), 50MW (threshold for notification), 100 (football pitches, area of datacentre), 35 (metres high, datacentre), 1,600 (number of objections), 25 (years of experience in politics, David Torrance), £202m (guarantee from National Wealth Fund)
“I understand how people can think in a rural area. There’s a lot of misinformation out there, it’s mainly coming from overseas, from America.” - Mark Wilson, chief executive of ILI Group
Ars Technica · 24 Aug, 21:45
A Stanford University study found that AI is causing significant job losses for younger workers in entry-level positions, with employment levels 19% below those in less AI-exposed fields. This trend is persisting and expanding from last year's 13% gap.
Stanford University economists updated their research on the employment effects of artificial intelligence. They found that AI is causing significant entry-level job losses for younger workers in some fields. Employment levels for workers aged 22 to 25 in the most 'AI-exposed' occupations are now 19 percent below those of their peers in fields less exposed to AI disruption. This trend is persisting and expanding from last year's 13% gap.
Why it matters: This study highlights the impact of AI on the job market, particularly for younger workers in entry-level positions. The findings suggest that AI is already affecting certain sectors, which could have long-term implications for the workforce and economy.
22-25, 19%, 13%
Ars Technica · 24 Aug, 21:04
The US health department is considering changing how vaccine recommendations are categorized, potentially altering the way vaccinations are presented to the public. This change could impact how vaccines are perceived and recommended.
The US health department, under the leadership of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is considering changes to how vaccine recommendations are categorized and described. A Request for Information (RFI) has been posted online, asking the public to weigh in on ideas for changing or replacing the current categories. The current categories include routine/universal recommendations, risk-based recommendations, and recommendations based on shared clinical decision-making. The deadline to comment is September 20.
Why it matters: This potential change is significant because it could impact how vaccines are perceived and recommended to the public. If vaccine recommendations are presented in a less definitive or more conditional manner, it could influence public perception and vaccination rates. The change could also reflect a shift in how the health department approaches vaccine recommendations under Kennedy's leadership.
Ars Technica · 24 Aug, 16:59
Mummified human and animal remains, often acquired through unregulated trade, may pose significant health hazards due to toxic substances used in preservation and microbial growth from improper storage.
Mummified remains, collected for their rarity and historical significance, can carry toxic substances like heavy metals (arsenic, mercury, lead) used in their preservation. These remains can also harbor dormant microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, yeasts) that can recolonize and multiply if stored improperly, posing health risks to handlers. Historical cases and studies have identified poisonous fungi spores and microbial growth on mummified remains, which can cause respiratory issues, infections, and fever.
Why it matters: The risks associated with mummified remains are significant because collectors may unknowingly acquire items that pose health hazards. Proper handling and storage are crucial to prevent adverse health effects, and awareness of these risks is essential for collectors and professionals in the field.
NPR News · 25 Aug, 05:14
Summary not available.
NPR News · 25 Aug, 05:24
Summary not available.
NPR News · 25 Aug, 04:56
Summary not available.