Richard Chirgwin
@rchirgwin.bsky.social
Former tech writer specialising in telecoms and infosec. Still an aspiring guitarist at over 60.
Nothing I do or say is licenced to anyone scraping social media accounts to train AI.
Nothing I do or say is licenced to anyone scraping social media accounts to train AI.
Reposted by Richard Chirgwin
NEW: What could we have instead of Australia's teen social media ban?
A lot of the debate on the ban has framed it as ban vs nothing. But there's plenty of options for improving online safety for young people.
Here's 5 alternative ideas (which we can still do) www.crikey.com.au/20...
A lot of the debate on the ban has framed it as ban vs nothing. But there's plenty of options for improving online safety for young people.
Here's 5 alternative ideas (which we can still do) www.crikey.com.au/20...
November 10, 2025 at 10:37 PM
NEW: What could we have instead of Australia's teen social media ban?
A lot of the debate on the ban has framed it as ban vs nothing. But there's plenty of options for improving online safety for young people.
Here's 5 alternative ideas (which we can still do) www.crikey.com.au/20...
A lot of the debate on the ban has framed it as ban vs nothing. But there's plenty of options for improving online safety for young people.
Here's 5 alternative ideas (which we can still do) www.crikey.com.au/20...
Reposted by Richard Chirgwin
Reposted by Richard Chirgwin
Hello @support.bsky.team
I heard from Sarah Kendzior @sarahkendzior.bsky.social that her account was suspended.
Can you please look into this and reinstate her account? She’s a published author and scholar on authoritarianism. Her presence here is valuable.
cc:
@jay.bsky.team
@aaron.bsky.team
I heard from Sarah Kendzior @sarahkendzior.bsky.social that her account was suspended.
Can you please look into this and reinstate her account? She’s a published author and scholar on authoritarianism. Her presence here is valuable.
cc:
@jay.bsky.team
@aaron.bsky.team
November 11, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Hello @support.bsky.team
I heard from Sarah Kendzior @sarahkendzior.bsky.social that her account was suspended.
Can you please look into this and reinstate her account? She’s a published author and scholar on authoritarianism. Her presence here is valuable.
cc:
@jay.bsky.team
@aaron.bsky.team
I heard from Sarah Kendzior @sarahkendzior.bsky.social that her account was suspended.
Can you please look into this and reinstate her account? She’s a published author and scholar on authoritarianism. Her presence here is valuable.
cc:
@jay.bsky.team
@aaron.bsky.team
Reposted by Richard Chirgwin
UK government project using AI to find benefit fraud resulted in:
- A 46% false fraud rate
- Anguish for families who were wrongly accused of fraud and had benefits stopped
- Months of additional work for government, setting up a hotline, correcting false fraud
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
- A 46% false fraud rate
- Anguish for families who were wrongly accused of fraud and had benefits stopped
- Months of additional work for government, setting up a hotline, correcting false fraud
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
HMRC trial of child benefit crackdown wrongly suspected fraud in 46% of cases
Exclusive: Almost half of families flagged as emigrants based on Home Office travel data were still living in UK
www.theguardian.com
November 9, 2025 at 3:11 PM
UK government project using AI to find benefit fraud resulted in:
- A 46% false fraud rate
- Anguish for families who were wrongly accused of fraud and had benefits stopped
- Months of additional work for government, setting up a hotline, correcting false fraud
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
- A 46% false fraud rate
- Anguish for families who were wrongly accused of fraud and had benefits stopped
- Months of additional work for government, setting up a hotline, correcting false fraud
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Travel writers are pretty worked up that Tourism Oz didn't pay tens of millions to Michelin so we could have restaurants scored.
I have trouble giving a damn.
I have trouble giving a damn.
November 11, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Travel writers are pretty worked up that Tourism Oz didn't pay tens of millions to Michelin so we could have restaurants scored.
I have trouble giving a damn.
I have trouble giving a damn.
Reposted by Richard Chirgwin
My post on Gough: "Gough dreamed of a country that never was, and asked why not?"
thepoint.com.au/opinions/251...
thepoint.com.au/opinions/251...
Gough dreamed of a country that never was, and asked why not?
The point.com.au
thepoint.com.au
November 10, 2025 at 9:49 PM
My post on Gough: "Gough dreamed of a country that never was, and asked why not?"
thepoint.com.au/opinions/251...
thepoint.com.au/opinions/251...
Reposted by Richard Chirgwin
Microsoft and Google say data centers will create thousands of jobs in Chile, but an analysis of permit filings by @restofworld.org shows only a small number of potential positions — and most are not skilled IT jobs, but those in security and cleaning. restofworld.org/2025/data-ce...
Microsoft, Google say their data centers create thousands of jobs. Their permit filings say otherwise
Chile and tech giants promise economy-wide impact but permits show fewer onsite jobs after construction.
restofworld.org
November 10, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Microsoft and Google say data centers will create thousands of jobs in Chile, but an analysis of permit filings by @restofworld.org shows only a small number of potential positions — and most are not skilled IT jobs, but those in security and cleaning. restofworld.org/2025/data-ce...
Reposted by Richard Chirgwin
Reposted by Richard Chirgwin
Not enough people know about Homer City. The single largest fossil fuel plant that's being built *explicitly* to power a data centre.
This isn't a future projection, or some hollow marketing. This is physical stuff happening right now.
bsky.app/profile/keta...
This isn't a future projection, or some hollow marketing. This is physical stuff happening right now.
bsky.app/profile/keta...
November 10, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Now we know nothing will happen ...
www.theage.com.au/politics/fed...
www.theage.com.au/politics/fed...
‘Dirty deals’: Nauru rorting, bikie gang allegations to be referred to NACC
Allegations of rorting, graft and bikie gangs infiltrating critical border security operations are set to be referred to the national anti-corruption watchdog.
www.theage.com.au
November 10, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Now we know nothing will happen ...
www.theage.com.au/politics/fed...
www.theage.com.au/politics/fed...
Insomnia means I'm awake to see how ignorant Americans arr in real time, it's bloody exhausting I tell you.
November 10, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Insomnia means I'm awake to see how ignorant Americans arr in real time, it's bloody exhausting I tell you.
Reposted by Richard Chirgwin
Thousands of people with complex disabilities are at risk of eviction from group homes that may close due to a looming funding crisis, say workers endeavourhillshallamdoveton.starcommunity.com.au/news/2025-11...
30 disability homes ‘at risk’ in South East
Thousands of people with complex disabilities are at risk of eviction from group homes that may close due to a looming funding crisis, say workers. As of 31 December, an eight-year, $2.1 billion state...
endeavourhillshallamdoveton.starcommunity.com.au
November 10, 2025 at 8:25 AM
Thousands of people with complex disabilities are at risk of eviction from group homes that may close due to a looming funding crisis, say workers endeavourhillshallamdoveton.starcommunity.com.au/news/2025-11...
Reposted by Richard Chirgwin
Chuck Schumer Helps Pull Democrats Back From Brink Of Courage
November 10, 2025 at 5:02 AM
Chuck Schumer Helps Pull Democrats Back From Brink Of Courage
Reposted by Richard Chirgwin
The Outback Explorer train has shortcomings, but it's staffed by genuinely cheerful and welcoming people.
It's just so slow, hour upon hour creeping along at 80km/h because nobody who matters* objects when track maintenance takes a hit in the state budget.
(*ie lives in key city marginals.)
It's just so slow, hour upon hour creeping along at 80km/h because nobody who matters* objects when track maintenance takes a hit in the state budget.
(*ie lives in key city marginals.)
November 10, 2025 at 6:57 AM
The Outback Explorer train has shortcomings, but it's staffed by genuinely cheerful and welcoming people.
It's just so slow, hour upon hour creeping along at 80km/h because nobody who matters* objects when track maintenance takes a hit in the state budget.
(*ie lives in key city marginals.)
It's just so slow, hour upon hour creeping along at 80km/h because nobody who matters* objects when track maintenance takes a hit in the state budget.
(*ie lives in key city marginals.)
Reposted by Richard Chirgwin
Tamworth Council went to court to try and stop a wind farm. It didn’t go well. Tamworth Council argued that the wind turbines would be too big for local roads. The judge pointed out there is no approval needed to drive on a public road reneweconomy.com.au/youve-got-to...
reneweconomy.com.au
November 10, 2025 at 1:09 AM
Tamworth Council went to court to try and stop a wind farm. It didn’t go well. Tamworth Council argued that the wind turbines would be too big for local roads. The judge pointed out there is no approval needed to drive on a public road reneweconomy.com.au/youve-got-to...
Even in government, the Liberal Party has trouble holding it together ...
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11...
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11...
Breaking: Leanne Castley, Jeremy Hanson step down as Canberra Liberals leaders
The pair's resignations come after weeks of silence following the removal of Elizabeth Lee and Peter Cain from the Canberra Liberals party room.
www.abc.net.au
November 10, 2025 at 2:00 AM
Even in government, the Liberal Party has trouble holding it together ...
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11...
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11...
Reposted by Richard Chirgwin
We can argue how intentional it is but it’s clear police forces around Australia have a ridiculous bias towards white people and this massive blind spot is a security risk.
So the fabled "Police intelligence" didn't extend to figuring out what a demo notice from an outfit called "White Australia" might involve. Interesting. www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11...
Neo-Nazi rally outside NSW parliament allowed to go ahead by police
A neo-Nazi rally outside the NSW parliament on Saturday morning was deemed "authorised" because police had chosen not to oppose the public assembly.
www.abc.net.au
November 10, 2025 at 1:08 AM
We can argue how intentional it is but it’s clear police forces around Australia have a ridiculous bias towards white people and this massive blind spot is a security risk.
Reposted by Richard Chirgwin
A group of men gathered outside of the NSW Parliament in Sydney yesterday to call for the inclusion of erectile dysfunction medication on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
Neo Nazis Rally Outside NSW Parliament Demanding Affordable Erectile Dysfunction Treatment — The Shovel
“It’s time to rise up!” one man shouted over a megaphone before adding, “But it’s very, very difficult, given the price of prescriptions these days!”
theshovel.com.au
November 9, 2025 at 11:16 PM
A group of men gathered outside of the NSW Parliament in Sydney yesterday to call for the inclusion of erectile dysfunction medication on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
Reposted by Richard Chirgwin
After several decades of monitoring their activities, it's still odd, even if explicable, to witness public figures express shock & surprise at the existence of nazis in AUS, & almost invariably only when it's thrust in their/our faces. So too, immediate calls for more laws & more police.
Anyway.
Anyway.
November 9, 2025 at 11:03 PM
After several decades of monitoring their activities, it's still odd, even if explicable, to witness public figures express shock & surprise at the existence of nazis in AUS, & almost invariably only when it's thrust in their/our faces. So too, immediate calls for more laws & more police.
Anyway.
Anyway.
Reposted by Richard Chirgwin
"Copyright is dead. When it comes to AI my property has been stolen all the same" by Michael Bradley #ThePoint
thepoint.com.au/opinions/251...
thepoint.com.au/opinions/251...
Copyright is dead. When it comes to AI my property has been stolen all the same
The point.com.au
thepoint.com.au
November 9, 2025 at 11:54 PM
"Copyright is dead. When it comes to AI my property has been stolen all the same" by Michael Bradley #ThePoint
thepoint.com.au/opinions/251...
thepoint.com.au/opinions/251...
Reposted by Richard Chirgwin
Extremely funny that the abundance-aligned tech industry created the single most effective weapon for development opponents they've ever got their hands on
Going to be a fun time when the anti-wind and anti-solar groups get going on this stuff
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Going to be a fun time when the anti-wind and anti-solar groups get going on this stuff
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
AI-powered nimbyism could grind UK planning system to a halt, experts warn
Tools that help people scan applications and find grounds for objection have potential to hit government’s housebuilding plans
www.theguardian.com
November 9, 2025 at 10:10 PM
Extremely funny that the abundance-aligned tech industry created the single most effective weapon for development opponents they've ever got their hands on
Going to be a fun time when the anti-wind and anti-solar groups get going on this stuff
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Going to be a fun time when the anti-wind and anti-solar groups get going on this stuff
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Richard Chirgwin
"*warns* of intense competition"
Your regular reminder that those who cheer capitalism actually hate a free market, and want a rigged one.
Your regular reminder that those who cheer capitalism actually hate a free market, and want a rigged one.
November 9, 2025 at 9:54 PM
"*warns* of intense competition"
Your regular reminder that those who cheer capitalism actually hate a free market, and want a rigged one.
Your regular reminder that those who cheer capitalism actually hate a free market, and want a rigged one.
The Broken Hill train from Katoomba is unusually full.
November 9, 2025 at 9:06 PM
The Broken Hill train from Katoomba is unusually full.