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The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has officially stopped recommending passwords where passkeys are available, urging consumers to adopt the newer, phishing‑resistant technology for all digital services. NCSC Declares Passwords Obsolete in Favor of Passkeys In a statement released this week, the NCSC said passwords can no longer withstand today’s cyber‑threat landscape. Passkeys, described as a “digital stamp” stored on a user’s device, provide a password‑free login that leverages biometrics such as facial recognition or a device PIN. Adoption Rates and Breach Statistics Google reports that just over 50% of its UK users have a passkey registered. Research by Cybernews highlighted the exposure of billions of login credentials in recent data‑leaks, underscoring the fragility of password‑based systems. Common passwords like “123456”, “admin”, and “password” remain among the most used globally, according to Nordpass. Why Passkeys Could Redefine UK Digital Security Passkeys cannot be harvested through phishing attacks because the private component never leaves the user’s device. Even if a service is breached, the stolen data is useless without the corresponding device‑held private key. Experts such as Dave Chismon, senior tech expert at the NCSC, note that passkeys are faster and simpler for users than remembering complex passwords or navigating two‑factor authentication. Future Outlook: Widespread Passkey Adoption and Remaining Challenges Analysts expect rapid growth in passkey usage as more platforms integrate the standard and as public awareness rises. However, challenges remain, including the need for robust biometric safeguards and user education on protecting device PINs. Alan Woodward, professor of cybersecurity at Surrey University, points out that facial‑recognition technology now incorporates “proof of liveness” to thwart spoofing attempts, but the security ecosystem will continue to evolve in a cat‑and‑mouse dynamic. Key recommendations for users: Enable passkeys wherever offered; fall back to strong, unique passwords only when necessary. Activate two‑factor authentication on accounts that still rely on passwords. Keep device software and apps up to date to benefit from the latest security patches. Maintain strict control over device PINs and biometric data.

The Renewable Energy Transition in Victoria On Peter Watts' hill, 90km north-west of Bendigo, the wind never really stops. For five generations, the hill was just part of the landscape. Then, in 2002, scientists identified it as the "perfect spot" for a windfarm. By 2012, developers proposed building six turbines, each 95 meters high. After years of drought, the offer of steady income was appealing, but Watts says it wasn't just the money that sealed the deal. "They were such a good group of people to deal with," he says. "Nothing was ever a problem. If something came up, they'd come sit down with you and work through it." When connection issues arose with Powercor lines, a small substation was built. When access became problematic, a road was constructed on the edge of Watts' property. Even neighbors who were initially "grizzly" about the view of turbines were offered about $2,500 annually for the project's life, with $25,000 in annual community grants. The State's Renewable Energy Ambitions Watts' windfarm was among the first in the region. As Victoria pushes toward a target of 95% renewable energy by 2035 and prepares for the closure of major coal-fired power plants, dozens of similar projects are spreading across the state's west. This transition has now become a defining issue in the upcoming November state election. The Victorian government, which set its ambitious renewable energy target in 2022, is facing what it describes as planning roadblocks. More than one project has ended up at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal since 2015, causing significant delays. Premier Jacinta Allan noted last year that approximately $90 billion of investment was sitting in the pipeline. Government Fast-Track Measures and Community Backlash To accelerate the transition, the government has implemented several measures: fast-tracking approvals, limiting third-party appeals, and creating a new state body called VicGrid to oversee planning across six renewable energy zones. Most controversially, it passed laws allowing VicGrid and its contractors access to private land without a landholder's consent. Andrew Peverill, who owns a farm in Glenloth in northwest Victoria, feels the government is "ploughing through" its plans without adequately listening to regional communities. His farm sits in the path of VNI West, a proposed 240km transmission line linking Victoria to New South Wales. About 2.3km of the line will cut across his land, which is used for broad-acre cropping and running merino sheep. "There's a lot of land in Australia it could go on that it wouldn't affect much," he says. "But it's really good ground [here] and the further south you go, the better it gets." Peverill supports renewable energy—he has solar panels on his roof—but not this development. "It's the way it's being done," he says. The Transmission Projects and Growing Opposition VNI West will eventually connect into the Western Renewables Link, another major transmission project managed by AusNet, which links Bulgana in western Victoria to Sydenham in Melbourne's northwest. Opposition to the AusNet project has been visible for five years near Daylesford in central Victoria, where a farmer has sprayed "piss off AusNet" onto a hillside. The tension between Victoria's renewable energy ambitions and community concerns about implementation highlights the complex challenges of transitioning to clean energy while respecting land rights and community consultation processes. As the election approaches, how these issues are addressed may significantly influence the state's energy future.

The Phoenix Rising"Please close the door. It conserves heat and keeps the organ in tune," requests the notice inside the church door. It's pleasantly warm inside, on this chilly April morning. But on the night of 16 September 1998, temperatures here exceeded 1,000C, when fire consumed the old organ, along with the floors, window, roof and 900 years of history, leaving a charred shell.Seven years of reconstruction and renewal followed, creating a light, airy interior: simple pale oak has replaced the darker, more intricate furnishings, and a new east window portrays an exotic floral paradise.A Paradise RestoredHelen Whittaker's Paradise window in St Brandon's church. Photograph: Phil GatesHelen Whittaker's vibrant stained glass Paradise window celebrates the quest of the Irish traveller St Brandon, better known as St Brendan, who spent a lifetime searching for an earthly Garden of Eden. Early-morning sunlight, streaming through the glass, casts rainbow shadows of subtropical flowers that he might have encountered: strelitzia, jacaranda, hibiscus and angel's trumpets. Below panes of red, orange, purple and blue, the artist has left clear glass panels, revealing the natural beauty of native trees in the churchyard beyond, itself a paradise for local wildlife.Wildlife SanctuaryFebruary's drifts of the snowdrops and winter aconites, around the grave of Jack Warner – a much-missed former colleague – gave way to daffodils in March. Today, bee-flies are darting between primrose flowers, in longer grass between mown paths. A buff-tailed queen bumblebee, searching for a nest site, explores a vole tunnel around an old tree stump. A seven-spot ladybird ambles across a lichen-encrusted table-tomb. The loudest sound comes from a song thrush. Otherwise, it is so quiet that I can hear the scratchy claws of a treecreeper climbing the bark of an ash tree.Pollen-producing cones on a St Brandon's churchyard yew. Photograph: Phil GatesThe Balance of LifeSympathetic churchyard management like this achieves a fine balance between respect for those whose life journeys ended here and the needs of nature, where another cycle of life is beginning.Pollen of RenewalOne of the ancient churchyard yews is covered in tiny male, pollen-producing cones. On the way out, I give its branch a gentle shake and, for a second or two, a ghostly cloud of yellow pollen is suspended in a shaft of sunlight, then dissolves like smoke in the air as it rises through the branches.

The Lead: Adam Scott's Career EvolutionIn this candid interview, Adam Scott reflects on his career trajectory from early nervous characters to his acclaimed role in "Severance," while sharing insights about working with industry legends like Martin Scorsese and handling unexpected comparisons to Tom Cruise.The Severance Breakthrough: Crafting the Iconic Elevator SceneScott reveals the meticulous process behind creating the memorable elevator scene in "Severance," where his character transitions between his "innie" and "outie" personas. "We worked on that for a long time, trying to figure out what specifically happens in the elevator. We must have tried 100 times before we landed on it. Eventually, Ben [Stiller, the director] suggested a subtle fluttering of my eyelids as my character goes through the shift."Scorsese's Collaborative Approach: The Aviator ExperienceRecalling his experience working on "The Aviator," Scott describes how Scorsese creates such great performances: "He's incredibly collaborative and encourages you to bring yourself to the proceedings and improvise." Scott notes the respect everyone had for Scorsese on set, where "between takes, you could hear a pin drop. Everyone was focused on making the best possible movie."Personal Reflections: From Nervy Characters to Celtic RootsScott discusses how he was initially cast as nervous characters because "I was nervous in all my auditions." He also shares his connection to Ireland, where he filmed "Hokum": "It's difficult not to feel at home when you're in Skibbereen in west Cork. I got to stay at the Liss Ard estate, one of the most beautiful places I've ever been."The Tom Cruise Comparison: A Welcome ComplimentWhen asked how often people tell him he resembles Tom Cruise, Scott responds with humor: "I do get it every once in a while. I mean, it's a huge compliment. I love Tom Cruise, I love his work and I think he looks spectacular. There's nothing wrong with being told that you resemble Tom Cruise."Music Influences: Why REM Remains the Best American BandScott explains his enduring love for REM: "When I became aware of them, there was still a lot of mystery around them. They weren't in their own music videos. Even if you bought one of their albums, it was hard to find a photo of them and you couldn't understand what Michael Stipe was saying. The music was weird. The song structures were different. But at the same time, it was pop music – hooky, and the songwriting was bulletproof."Parks and Recreation Legacy: The Calzone EffectScott reflects on his iconic role as Ben Wyatt and the unexpected calzone connection: "I delivered pizzas for a summer in the early 90s and calzones were quite popular with stoners, because it's like a folded portable pizza – a pizza sandwich." He also addresses the possibility of a reunion: "I doubt it, but that's above my pay grade. That's Amy [Poehler] and Mike's decision – they're the keepers of the flame."Future Outlook: New Projects and Continued GrowthWith "Severance" captivating audiences and "Hokum" showcasing his range in a different genre, Adam Scott continues to evolve as an actor. His willingness to take on diverse roles—from the complex Mark Scout in "Severance" to a horror writer in "Hokum"—demonstrates his commitment to challenging himself and avoiding typecasting in an industry that often tries to actors in boxes.

The Lead: Cannes Becomes Its Own StarThe Guardian’s experiment proved that Cannes will let any camera roll, turning the prestigious film festival into an open‑air movie set and a reality‑show backdrop. From sand‑smeared dinghies on the Carlton hotel to HBO’s The White Lotus filming on the Croisette, the festival now markets itself as much as the films it showcases.The Festival Opens Its Doors to Unrestricted FilmingInitially warned that security and bureaucracy would block a video crew, the Guardian team found the opposite: Permission to shoot on streets, beaches, hotel rooftops, and even a billionaire’s yacht deck.Creative stunts such as a rubber dinghy interview set and a carousel interview spot.Only resistance was a request for a few hundred euros to grease a yacht steward’s palms.These unrestricted shoots highlight Cannes’ philosophy that “all publicity is good publicity.”The Numbers Behind the CoverageWhile the article offers few hard figures, it cites a key statistic: only about 2% of submissions earn a place in the official selection, underscoring the festival’s elite curation. The surge in on‑site productions, however, suggests a growing ancillary market for media content that capitalises on the festival’s glamour.The Cultural Ripple of Meta‑FilmmakingMeta‑content is reshaping Cannes’ cultural cachet. Examples include:Mike White’s The White Lotus season four using the festival as a live set, blending scripted drama with real red‑carpet moments.Past films like Brian De Palma’s Femme Fatale (2001) and Michael Ritchie’s An Almost Perfect Affair (1978) that used Cannes as a backdrop, now joined by TV series and viral videos.Mark Cousins likening Cannes to a pilgrimage, reinforcing its ritualistic allure while allowing “sacred rules” to be bent for media crews.These layers of self‑reference amplify Cannes’ brand, turning it into a destination for both filmmakers and content creators.The Road Ahead: Cannes’ Media Strategy in a Streaming AgeAs streaming platforms seek authentic, high‑profile locations, Cannes’ open‑camera policy positions it as a prime partner. Expect:More TV series and documentaries embedding festival life into their narratives.Increased sponsorship deals tied to on‑site filming locations.Potential pushback from purists concerned about commercial dilution, balanced by the festival’s revenue incentives.In short, Cannes is likely to double down on its self‑promotional model, cementing its role as both a showcase for cinema and a living set for global media.

The Merger Mechanics and Key AssetsWarner Bros Discovery shareholders are set to vote on a merger that could dramatically reshape the United States media landscape — combining the company with Paramount Skydance. The deal, which still requires federal approval, would place two of the nation’s largest news organisations – CBS News and CNN – under one corporate roof. This consolidation creates a media giant with vast assets in film, television, and live sports, positioning the new entity to dominate the streaming wars and broadcast television.Consolidation Metrics and Workforce ImpactThe scale of this potential merger is underscored by the operational changes already underway at Paramount. CBS has announced the cessation of operations for CBS News Radio, representing a 6% reduction in its workforce. Furthermore, the broader trend of consolidation is evident in the local news sector, where the merger between Nexstar and Tegna would reach 80% of TV households across key US markets, drastically limiting consumer choice in local reporting.Key Assets: Warner Bros Discovery library + Paramount Skydance assets.Workforce Reduction: CBS News Radio ceasing operations.Market Reach: Local consolidation could impact 80% of TV households.Editorial Independence Under Political PressureThe merger raises profound concerns regarding editorial independence. Paramount Skydance is led by David Ellison, the son of Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison and a key ally of President Donald Trump. Critics point to recent moves by the network to appease the administration, including the appointment of conservative writer Bari Weiss to lead the broadcast network and the installation of Ken Weinstein as an ombudsman. These changes have led to the departure of veteran reporters, such as Sharyn Alfonsi, who criticized the delay of a story on the CECOT prison as a "political" choice.The Future of News: A Polarized LandscapeLooking ahead, the merger is likely to face significant regulatory hurdles. Democratic Senator Cory Booker has called for an investigation into foreign investment in the deal, which includes sovereign wealth funds from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, as well as Chinese investment. Additionally, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority is preparing an investigation. Internally, CNN staff are reportedly shaken by the prospect of the Ellisons running the network, fearing a shift away from its traditional middle-of-the-road stance toward a more partisan alignment with the right, mirroring the trajectory of local operators like Sinclair and Nexstar.

When Cameron moved his family to a suburb north of Toronto, neighbours assured him it was one of the safest streets in the area. However, a series of four shootings within five months on Allison Ann Way shattered that tranquility, leaving the street eerily empty. The latest attack, in early February, targeted a neighbour’s garage while Cameron’s children were at school, sending a clear message of intimidation.This violence is not isolated; it is the visible tip of an iceberg involving a sprawling, criminalized towing network. Police have linked the attacks to Elwyn Satanowsky, a civilian charged with arranging shootings, who allegedly obtained sensitive information from serving officers. This revelation is part of a broader crackdown known as 'Project South,' which has uncovered deep-seated corruption and a violent turf war that has claimed the life of towing boss Alexander Vinogradsky in 2024.Key DevelopmentsProject South Corruption Probe: Investigators allege that serving officers leaked sensitive information to hitmen and assisted in a plot to kill a corrections officer, blurring the lines between law enforcement and organized crime.The Union Network Charges: Police dismantled a towing network known as 'The Union,' laying more than 100 charges including drug trafficking, extortion, and conspiracy to commit murder.Asset Seizures: In the municipality of Peel, investigators seized over $4m in assets, including bulletproof vests, 586 rounds of ammunition, and 18 tow trucks.High-Profile Killings: The violence escalated with the assassination of Alexander Vinogradsky, a towing boss accused of ordering targeted assassinations of rivals.Data & Market ImpactThe financial incentives driving this violence are staggering. A veteran tow operator estimates a single call can generate upwards of $10,000 once storage, repair work, and insurance claims are secured. This high-value model has turned the towing industry into a magnet for organized crime.The economic impact extends to the insurance sector. According to insurer Aviva, the number of staged crashes in Canada rose by nearly 400% in 2025 compared to the previous year. These staged crashes are often orchestrated in partnership with complicit auto-body shops, creating a referral pipeline that funnels money from insurers to criminal networks.Why This MattersThis crisis represents a systemic failure of public safety and regulation. The violence has directly impacted residential communities, turning safe neighbourhoods into 'ghost towns' due to fear. Furthermore, the alleged collusion between police and criminals undermines public trust in law enforcement.For the broader economy, the costs are absorbed by the public through inflated insurance premiums. The 'first on scene' model, which prioritizes speed over regulation, has created a pipeline of inflated repair contracts and kickbacks that fuels a cycle of violence far beyond the roadside.Expert InsightThe root cause of this violence is the economic structure of accident towing. As long as the industry operates on a 'first on scene' basis, the race to crash scenes will remain fierce. This model incentivizes aggression, as the first operator to arrive secures the lion's share of a lucrative contract.Industry experts point out that criminal groups have outmatched legitimate providers by utilizing coordinated radio networks and ruthless internal hierarchies. The referral ecosystem—directing drivers to specific repair shops, rental agencies, and lawyers—creates a self-sustaining revenue stream that justifies extreme violence to protect market share.What Happens NextThe shift in violence from highways to urban areas suggests that current reforms are having a partial effect. While Ontario’s new legislation on controlled-access highways has limited competition by using vetted dispatch systems, the lack of regulation in urban collision towing remains a vulnerability.Future developments will likely focus on expanding the regulated dispatch model to city streets. However, without addressing the referral fee structures that generate millions in illicit revenue, the underlying economic incentive for organized crime to infiltrate the industry will persist.

Google Cloud Next 2026 in Las Vegas underscored the cloud giant’s aggressive push to embed AI startups into its ecosystem, unveiling a $750 million budget to help partners sell AI agents to enterprises and spotlighting a roster of more than 30 innovators using Google’s Gemini models and new Nano Banana 2 image technology.Key Developments$750 million fund earmarked for Cloud partners—startups to consulting firms—to cover Gemini proof‑of‑concepts, forward‑deployed engineers, cloud credits and deployment rebates.Highlighted startups include:Lovable – expanding with a coding agent; reported $400 million ARR in February.Notion – valued at ~$11 billion, now running Gemini for text and image generation.Gamma – AI‑powered presentation tool valued at $2.1 billion, using Nano Banana 2.Inferact – commercial inference startup accessing Nvidia GPUs via Google Cloud.ComfyUI – open‑source image generation tool leveraging Nano Banana 2.Additional shout‑outs: ChorusView, Emergent AI, ExaCare AI, Insilica, Optii, Parallel AI, Proximal Health, Reducto, Stord, Stylitics, Temporal, Vapi, Vurvey Labs, Wand, Watershed, ZenBusiness.Data & Market ImpactThe $750 million pool represents roughly 3% of Google’s projected AI‑cloud spend for 2026, signaling a sizable commitment to partner‑driven revenue.Lovable's $400 million ARR places it among the top‑tier AI coding platforms, suggesting strong demand for developer‑centric agents.Notion's $11 billion valuation and integration of Gemini models illustrate how mature SaaS products are augmenting core features with generative AI.Gamma's $2.1 billion valuation highlights the market appetite for AI‑enhanced productivity suites that compete directly with Microsoft PowerPoint.Adoption of Nano Banana 2 by visual‑heavy startups (Gamma, ComfyUI) indicates Google’s push to differentiate on image generation quality.Why This MattersStartups gain low‑cost access to cutting‑edge AI models, accelerating time‑to‑market and reducing reliance on expensive in‑house infrastructure.Enterprises benefit from a broader marketplace of vetted AI agents, lowering integration risk and fostering rapid digital transformation.Google strengthens its competitive position against AWS and Azure, which have launched similar AI partner programs, by offering deeper model access (Gemini, Nano Banana 2) and financial incentives.Regional impact: North American and European AI startups can scale globally via Google’s data‑center network, while emerging markets may see increased cloud adoption as local firms partner with highlighted startups.Expert InsightGoogle’s strategy reflects a shift from a pure infrastructure play to an ecosystem‑oriented model. By subsidizing partner projects, Google reduces the barrier for AI agents to reach enterprise buyers, effectively creating a pipeline of recurring cloud revenue. The focus on Gemini and Nano Banana 2 also signals that Google believes its proprietary models will become the de‑facto standard for generative AI workloads, a bet that hinges on continued model performance gains and developer adoption. However, the reliance on partner execution introduces execution risk; if startups fail to deliver compelling ROI, the $750 million could yield modest returns.What Happens NextExpect a surge in Gemini‑based proof‑of‑concept pilots across finance, healthcare and retail, driven by the new funding.Google will likely announce additional model releases (e.g., next‑gen Gemini or image models) to keep the partner ecosystem engaged.Competitors may respond with larger incentive pools or exclusive model access, intensifying the AI‑cloud arms race.Startups highlighted at Next could become acquisition targets for larger tech firms seeking ready‑made AI agents, further consolidating the market.

The Australian Privacy Commissioner has issued a landmark ruling against 2Apply, a dominant player in Australia's RentTech sector, finding that the platform collected excessive personal information from millions of applicants. Key Developments First-of-its-kind determination: Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind ruled that 2Apply, operated by InspectRealEstate, collected data in an unfair manner. Excessive data points: The investigation revealed the collection of unnecessary details such as gender, dependent information, bankruptcy status, retirement status, and citizenship details. Manipulative tactics: The platform utilized "confirmshaming," using guilt-inducing language to pressure users into providing more data than required. Market scale: With over 8.5 million applications processed, this ruling impacts a significant portion of the Australian rental market. Data & Market Impact The ruling highlights the sheer volume of data being harvested in the housing market. The Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI) identified 57 different rent platforms operating in the country. By hoarding sensitive data—ranging from financial history to marital status—platforms like 2Apply create massive security vulnerabilities. The Commissioner noted that the over-collection of data increases the risk of data breaches, potentially exposing millions of rental documents to public access. Why This Matters This decision is critical because it addresses the intersection of the housing crisis and digital privacy. In a market characterized by a shortage of rental properties and intense competition, renters are forced into a vulnerable position where they feel compelled to trade away their privacy to secure a roof over their heads. The ruling validates the concerns of digital rights advocates who argue that the power imbalance in the rental market is being weaponized by intermediaries. Expert Insight Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind emphasized the inherent power imbalance in the rental market. "There is an inherent and significant power imbalance in the rental property market which favours real estate agents, property managers and landlords," she stated. This imbalance is exacerbated by the scarcity of housing, making tenants desperate for any advantage. Furthermore, experts like Samantha Floreani point out that the data collected often has no bearing on a tenant's ability to pay rent or maintain a property, suggesting that data hoarding is often a profit-driven or lazy practice rather than a necessity. What Happens Next The ruling is expected to trigger a sector-wide overhaul. While the decision applies specifically to 2Apply, the Commissioner has indicated that other RentTech providers are likely to adapt their practices to avoid similar penalties. This could lead to a significant reduction in the amount of personal data collected by rental platforms, potentially setting a global standard for how housing applications handle user privacy. Real estate peak bodies have already been briefed, suggesting a coordinated effort to clean up the industry's data practices.