#147 2026 preview - Looking back to look ahead

In our first episode for the year we revisit the big themes of 2025, and explore how they're shaping in 2026.

We discuss changing sentiments around AI, its impact on the online information ecosystem, the social media ban and ongoing focus on children's privacy, and how cyber threats are evolving in the AI age.

Links:
TWIDT #146 Australia's grand plan for AI https://podcasts.apple.com/cm/podcast/146-australias-grand-plan-for-ai/id1616386683?i=1000743906862
Australia's National AI plan https://www.industry.gov.au/news/australia-launches-national-ai-plan-capture-opportunities-share-be…
Article about sentiments about an AI bubble (AFR) https://www.afr.com/chanticleer/microsoft-s-shock-plunge-isn-t-end-of-ai-bubble-but-it-s-a-warning-…
TWIDT #134 AI slop is taking over the internet https://podcasts.apple.com/cm/podcast/134-ai-slop-is-taking-over-the-internet/id1616386683?i=100071…
Article about start of social media ban (ABC) https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-15/social-media-ban-data-millions-of-accounts-closed/106232768
Article about almost autonomous AI-enabled cyber attacks in 2025 (The Conversation) https://theconversation.com/an-ai-lab-says-chinese-backed-bots-are-running-cyber-espionage-attacks-…

Credits:
Editing and post-production by Martin Franklin (East Coast Studio) www.eastcoaststudio.com.au
Music by Bensound.com