Australia’s plan to ban teenagers from social media has been called “world‑leading”.

The law, which comes into effect December 10, threatens platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Facebook with fines of up to $50 million if they let under-16s open or keep accounts.

But as implementation draws closer, questions remain about how the ban will be enforced, what it means for online privacy, and whether it will reshape the way everyone uses the internet.

Today, digital‑rights advocate Samantha Floreani on the risks of the ban amid a global regulatory arms race.

This episode was originally published in July.

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Guest: Digital‑rights advocate, Samantha Floreani.

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Environmental law reform has been sitting in the too-hard basket for years — under successive governments, the system stayed broken.

Now, just days before the end of the parliamentary year, Labor has passed the first major changes in a generation.

The government chose to work with the Greens, agreeing to scrap logging exemptions, close coal and gas loopholes, and hand real enforcement powers to a new EPA.

Meanwhile, the Coalition fractured over the details — dealing themselves out of negotiations and out of relevance.

Today, press gallery veteran Paul Bongiorno, on how Labor landed a landmark deal, and what it means for the future of environmental policy.

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Guest: Press gallery journalist, Paul Bongiorno

Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

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When we heard news that Barnaby Joyce was quitting The Nationals – we knew we’d cover it with our friend in Canberra, Amy Remeikis – but the more we talked about it, there was someone else we needed to hear from too.

Barnaby’s old sparring partner and the former member for New England, Tony Windsor, was loading cattle when we called. And he said the expected move to One Nation makes perfect sense.

Joyce’s decision to quit The Nationals comes after months of speculation – and very public declarations of admiration from Pauline Hanson in the media – all culminating in a wagyu steak dinner cooked on a sandwich press in Hanson’s parliament house office earlier this week.

So, is Joyce trading another shot at power for a dose of publicity? Or, if he joins One Nation, will he be part of a new conservative force that will reshape the country?

Today, contributing editor for The New Daily Amy Remeikis on the ramifications of Barnaby bailing on The Nationals.

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Guest: Contributing editor for The New Daily Amy Remeikis and Former member for New England Tony Windsor

Photo: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

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Companies are betting big on AI – and burning through cash to do it.

They’re pouring hundreds of billions of dollars into building data centres and developing new models – such as ChatGPT. And so far, these projects are yet to see a financial return.

There is one clear winner: Nvidia – the company that makes the chips that power this tech.

But how long can its customers keep spending before they have to either turn a profit or scale back?

Today, Reuters journalist Stephen Nellis on how long this AI boom can last – and what a crash might look like.

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Guest: Reuters journalist Stephen Nellis

Photo: AP Photo/Eric Risberg

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The year is 1934, and the setting is Scotland. Startling photos have emerged, appearing to capture the Loch Ness monster.

Fast-forward 90 years to 2024, to an election campaign in Australia, and a video is released of a prime minister promising to ban gambling ads.

Both are fake – designed specifically to deceive. And while humans have always had a tendency to mislead each other, what’s new is the technology.

It’s now easier than ever to create highly realistic fake content. And we’re only just starting to see how wide-ranging and insidious the impact will be.

Today, independent senator David Pocock – on his new bill to crack down on deepfakes – and why he thinks the government has dropped the ball on regulating AI.

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Guest: Independent senator David Pocock

Photo: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

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Negotiators at this year’s global climate summit in Brazil almost didn’t reach a deal – but when they did, the watered down pledge left many countries reeling.

While the agreement boosts finance for poorer nations experiencing the worst of global warming – it fails to even mention the fossil fuels driving it.

Outside the official COP process, dozens of countries signed a pledge to phase out fossil fuels. But while Australia signed - Anthony Albanese says his government will keep approving new coal and gas projects.

Today, Greenpeace Australia Pacific chief executive David Ritter, on what really happened in Brazil – and whether COP is now just a cop out.

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Guest: Greenpeace Australia Pacific chief executive David Ritter

Photo: AP Photo/Andre Penner

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In Russia, the rules of power are being rewritten.

For decades, Vladimir Putin governed through a network of loyal elites — oligarchs, bureaucrats, security chiefs — each rewarded for their obedience and connections.

But since the invasion of Ukraine, that system has begun to fracture. The old elite are being sidelined, and a new cast is emerging: relatives, ideologues, and battlefield loyalists who tie their futures to the war.

Moscow-based journalist Kate de Pury has covered Putin’s Russia for Reuters – and more recently as the bureau chief for Associated Press.

Today, she tells us how the war is reshaping the Russian ruling class, and what it reveals about where Putin’s Russia is headed.

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Guest: Moscow-based journalist Kate de Pury

Photo: Russian Presidential Press Service via AP

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A sleek Chinese-made ute is suddenly one of the most popular vehicles on Australian roads. It’s cheap, fast and packed with tech. But behind its rise are questions security agencies are struggling to grapple with.

Because the cars we drive today are no longer just cars; they’re also data collection tools. And in a tense geopolitical climate – the lines between convenience and surveillance are blurring.

Today, senior fellow at the Lowy Institute and contributor to Australian Foreign Affairs, Richard McGregor on the BYD Shark, China’s quietly tightening technological grip on Australian infrastructure and what it means for national security.

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Guest: Guest: Senior fellow at the Lowy Institute and contributor to Australian Foreign Affairs, Richard McGregor

Photo: AAP Image/Steve Markham

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