Sunday 7th December 2025: Australia Bans Under-16s From Using Major Social Media Services

Welcome to another low down on all the latest Tech news, Tips and Tricks to help you keep up to date with the latest from the Tech world!

You can hear the feature On Air on a Sunday with Mark, and throughout the week.

From 10 December, under-16s in Australia are banned from using major social media services including Tiktok, X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat and Threads.

They will not be able to set up new accounts, and existing profiles must be deactivated.

The ban - the first of its kind - is being watched closely by other countries.

Ten platforms are currently included: Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit and streaming platforms Kick and Twitch.

The government assesses potential sites against three main criteria:

• whether the platform's sole or "significant purpose" is to enable online social interaction between two or more users;
• whether it allows users to interact with some or all other users; and
• whether it allows users to post material

YouTube Kids, Google Classroom and WhatsApp are not covered as they are not deemed to meet those criteria.

Read More: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwyp9d3ddqyo

The first phase of development works for a £10bn artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing data centre have been given the go-ahead.

Northumberland County Council approved the first of five phases of construction works on the former Blyth Power Station site at Cambois, near Blyth.

US firm QTS plans to build 10 data halls over more than 133 acres (540,000 sq m) on the site, which it says will create thousands of jobs through its construction and operation.

Members of the council's strategic planning committee voted unanimously to approve the construction of two of the halls as part of the first phase of works.
Read More: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clyd1enx3p4o

Source: BBC News

The popular YouTuber Marques Brownlee has announced he plans to shut down his subscription app for mobile phone wallpapers, Panels.

The content creator, whose sometimes scathing takes on new tech products have helped him amass more than 20 million YouTube subscribers, launched the app in September 2024.

Panels let people download a range of digital wallpapers for their devices for a monthly fee.

But more than a year after facing scrutiny over its price and privacy, Brownlee has told followers the app would be shut down altogether on 31 December.
Read More: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cze81xe3r4yo

Source: BBC News

This weeks app of the week is called My Aurora Forecast Pro

It lets you know if you will be able to see the aurora in your location plus you can peak into the next few hours, even into several days and weeks.

This app is free to download on IOS and Android Devices.

Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jrustonapps.myauroraforecastpro

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/app/my-aurora-forecast-alerts/id1073082439

Report Fraud has replaced Action Fraud, for use in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. People affected by cyber crime or fraud in Scotland should continue to call Police Scotland using the 101 telephone number.

Anyone searching for how to report cyber crime or fraud, or trying to use Action Fraud, will be redirected to the new service, which can be reached directly online at reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Report Fraud will provide:

• A clear and simple reporting process to tell the police about cyber crime and fraud
• Guidance on what to report and how that information is used
• Further support information for victims

The go live of Report Fraud marks the beginning of our new service to improve the national response and, most significantly, the development of a more comprehensive intelligence picture of cyber crime and fraud affecting people and businesses and will result in a faster response from law enforcement agencies.