The Guardian · 11 Jul, 05:41
A new survey suggests that if the Australian census question on religion were changed, the country would no longer be majority religious. The survey found that 54% of respondents selected 'no religion' when given a 'yes/no' option, compared to 43% when using the existing census format.
A survey conducted by Essential Media found that the format of the census question on religion affects the response rate for 'no religion'. When using the existing census format, 43% of respondents selected 'no religion'. However, when given a 'yes/no' option followed by a text box, 54% of respondents selected 'no religion', which translates to around 2 million adults. The survey was commissioned by the Census – Not Religious? Mark No Religion campaign, which argues that the current format overstates the religiousness of Australia.
Why it matters: The survey's findings are significant because they suggest that the current census format may not accurately reflect the number of Australians with no religion. This has implications for policy and funding decisions, which rely on accurate demographic data. The campaign is pushing for a change in the census question to provide a more accurate picture of Australia's religious landscape.
39% (2021 census response rate for 'no religion'), 43% (survey response rate for 'no religion' using existing census format), 54% (survey response rate for 'no religion' using 'yes/no' option), 2 million (number of adults who selected 'no religion' using 'yes/no' option), 2026 (year of next Australian census), 2031 (year targeted by campaign for census change)
We trust the ABS to deliver us high-quality data that we can rely on and be confident that the right decisions are being made on the basis of the right data. - Michael Dove, spokesperson for Census – Not Religious? Mark No Religion campaign
The Guardian · 11 Jul, 04:04
Australia's eSafety watchdog is investigating whether adult websites are allowing users to bypass age checks using virtual private networks (VPNs). The regulator found that 9 in 10 of the most visited adult sites used by Australians have implemented age checks, but will assess if they are effective in blocking under-18s.
The Australian eSafety watchdog has been monitoring the compliance of adult websites with new age verification codes implemented in March. The codes require adult sites to implement age verification for users attempting to access pornography, extremely violent material, or self-harm content. As a result, approximately 90% of the most-visited pornography sites by Australians have introduced age assurance at the 18+ threshold. However, the regulator has raised concerns that users may be using VPNs to bypass these restrictions.
Why it matters: This investigation is significant because it highlights the challenges of enforcing age restrictions on online content. The use of VPNs to bypass age checks raises concerns about the effectiveness of age verification measures and the potential for under-18s to access inappropriate content. The eSafety watchdog's investigation will help determine whether adult websites are taking reasonable steps to prevent workarounds like VPNs.
90% of the most-visited pornography sites by Australians have introduced age assurance at the 18+ threshold, 25.3m site visits from Australian users on 4chan in the preceding 12 months, 2bn Facebook site visits, and 1.8bn Reddit site visits from Australian users in the same period.
The Guardian · 11 Jul, 05:00
Count Binface, a novelty candidate, has gained media attention for his bid to stand in the Clacton by-election, challenging Nigel Farage's Reform UK party. Binface, whose real name is Jon Harvey, has become a surprise favorite among voters with his humorous policies and satirical take on politics.
Count Binface, a candidate for the Clacton by-election, has gained significant media attention for his unconventional campaign. Binface, whose real name is Jon Harvey, has been making headlines with his humorous policies, such as nationalizing singer Adele and capping the price of croissants at £1. He has become a media favorite, with even the Daily Mail poking fun at Farage's seriousness in response. Binface's campaign has sparked international interest, with French and Spanish media outlets covering his story.
Why it matters: Count Binface's rise to fame is significant because it highlights the growing trend of satire and absurdity in British politics. His campaign is seen as a challenge to traditional politicians, including Nigel Farage, who has been criticized for his seriousness and lack of humor. Binface's popularity also reflects the public's desire for entertainment and lightheartedness in politics.
He goes a bit funny if you use his real name
Ars Technica · 10 Jul, 22:37
Cities and towns used drones to monitor and enforce bans on illegal fireworks during the Fourth of July celebrations, resulting in a $100,000 fine in one instance. This trend is part of a broader national effort to use drone surveillance to deter and detect illegal fireworks.
During the Fourth of July celebrations, many cities and towns deployed drones to spot and monitor illegal fireworks. The Sacramento Fire Department in Northern California used drones for the first time and issued a $100,000 fine for illegal fireworks. Police and fire departments used drone surveillance and steep fines to deter people from shooting off illegal fireworks. The drones were used to record high-resolution video to help investigators identify locations where illegal fireworks were being used.
Why it matters: The use of drone surveillance to monitor and enforce bans on illegal fireworks is significant because it highlights a growing trend among law enforcement agencies to leverage technology to prevent and detect illegal activities. Illegal fireworks can cause fires, injuries, and deaths, as well as air and noise pollution, making enforcement efforts crucial for public safety.
$100,000 (fine for illegal fireworks), 250 (America's anniversary)
Ars Technica · 10 Jul, 19:59
The Royal Canadian Geographic Society has released the first images of the Quest shipwreck, the polar exploration vessel used by Sir Ernest Shackleton on his final voyage, which sank in 1962. The images were published in Canadian Geographic magazine.
The Quest shipwreck, which served as the polar exploration vessel for Sir Ernest Shackleton's final voyage, has been imaged for the first time since its sinking in 1962. The Royal Canadian Geographic Society released the images, which were published in Canadian Geographic magazine. Shackleton died before reaching their destination on the Quest. The ship was discovered in 2024.
Why it matters: The release of these images provides a significant historical insight into the final voyage of Sir Ernest Shackleton, a renowned Arctic explorer. The Quest played a crucial role in Shackleton's expeditions, and its discovery and documentation help to shed light on a previously unknown chapter in the history of polar exploration.
1962 (year the Quest sank), 2024 (year the Quest shipwreck was discovered)
Ars Technica · 10 Jul, 19:40
A former ransomware negotiator, Angelo Martino, was sentenced to 70 months in prison for colluding with BlackCat scammers to extort victims he was hired to protect. Martino provided confidential negotiation information to maximize ransoms in exchange for a portion of the ransom payments.
Angelo Martino, a 41-year-old Florida resident, worked as a ransomware negotiator for DigitalMint, a company that helps clients mitigate ransom payments to cybercriminals. However, Martino colluded with BlackCat scammers, providing them with confidential negotiation information to maximize the ransoms. This resulted in five victims paying over $75 million to ransomware affiliates, with likely millions of dollars in ransom demands inflated due to Martino's actions. Martino pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 70 months in prison.
Why it matters: This case highlights the risks of insider threats and the importance of trustworthiness in the cybersecurity industry. The fact that Martino was able to betray his clients' trust and collude with attackers to extort them underscores the need for robust safeguards and monitoring in the ransomware negotiation process.
70 months (sentence length), $75 million (total ransom payments by five victims), 41 (Martino's age), 24 months (Martino's requested sentence length)
NPR News · 11 Jul, 05:48
The Trump administration has rolled back a key protection for imperiled wildlife by finalizing a rule that changes how agencies enforce the Endangered Species Act. The new rule narrows the definition of 'harm' under the law.
The Trump administration finalized a rule on Friday that changes how agencies enforce the Endangered Species Act. The administration narrowed the definition of 'harm' under the landmark law. This change is expected to impact how the law is applied to protect endangered species. The rule was finalized on an unspecified date.
Why it matters: This change is significant because it may reduce protections for endangered species. The Endangered Species Act is a crucial law for conserving and recovering threatened and endangered species. By narrowing the definition of 'harm', the new rule may make it more difficult to hold agencies and companies accountable for harming these species.
NPR News · 10 Jul, 21:22
Graham Platner has officially withdrawn from the Maine Senate race, following rape allegations from a former romantic partner that he denies. Maine Democrats now need to select a new candidate by July 27.
Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for the Maine Senate race, has submitted paperwork to officially leave the race. This decision comes after rape allegations were made against him by a former romantic partner, which Platner denies. In his withdrawal notice, Platner mentioned that people are desperate for change, which he believes led to his nomination as the Democratic candidate. As a result, Maine Democrats must now choose a new candidate to replace him by July 27.
Why it matters: This development is significant because it impacts the Senate race in Maine, potentially altering the dynamics of the election. The allegations against Platner and his subsequent withdrawal from the race also bring attention to issues of accountability and the importance of addressing allegations of misconduct. The Democratic Party in Maine must now act quickly to select a new candidate.
July 27 (deadline for Maine Democrats to pick a new candidate)
people are desperate for change
NPR News · 10 Jul, 19:08
Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a 52-year-old Mexican immigrant, was shot and killed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Houston. The incident occurred when agents attempted to pull him over.
Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a 52-year-old Mexican national with three children, was shot by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Houston. He had worked in construction for over three decades. According to reports, ICE agents attempted to pull him over, which resulted in the fatal shooting. The incident has garnered significant attention due to concerns about immigration policies and the actions of ICE agents.
Why it matters: This incident is significant as it highlights tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and the actions of ICE agents. The shooting has sparked concerns about the use of force by immigration authorities and its impact on immigrant communities. The event has also raised questions about the protocols in place for interactions between law enforcement and immigrants.
52 (age of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo), 3 (number of children)