FutureFive Australia - Consumer technology news from the future

Australian Stories

Social Media stories

To usher in a new online era, the industry must step up for Australia's families too
Data Protection

To usher in a new online era, the industry must step up for Australia's families too

Australia's new social media ban tests tech, parents and business to protect teens, demanding deeper digital literacy and safer algorithms.

By Alex Coates • 3 min read • Thu, 11th Dec 2025
ChatGPT tops Apple's 2025 app & game charts in Australia
Gaming

ChatGPT tops Apple's 2025 app & game charts in Australia

ChatGPT has swept Apple's 2025 app charts in Australia, topping both free iPhone and iPad download lists as AI tools surge in popularity.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Thu, 11th Dec 2025
Media.com bets on verified users as social rules tighten
Data Protection

Media.com bets on verified users as social rules tighten

Media.com touts a fully verified social network as Australia and other nations tighten age limits and safety rules on big platforms.

By Melania Watson • 4 min read • Thu, 11th Dec 2025

Global Stories

Social Media stories

AI reshapes supply chains as disruption becomes the norm
Ransomware

AI reshapes supply chains as disruption becomes the norm

AI takes centre stage in logistics as Infios predicts 2026 supply chains built for constant disruption, resilience and human‑machine teamwork.

By Shannon Williams • 4 min read • Fri, 12th Dec 2025
AI bubble cools as HR shifts to outcomes & new roles
Storage

AI bubble cools as HR shifts to outcomes & new roles

AI boom gives way to realism as HR chases measurable outcomes, new AI chiefs emerge and skills outshine headcount in 2026 strategies.

By Kaleah Salmon • 9 min read • Fri, 12th Dec 2025
Australia under-16 social media ban sparks backlash
Data Protection

Australia under-16 social media ban sparks backlash

Australia's under-16 social media ban faces mounting criticism amid doubts over age checks, privacy risks and the impact on advertisers.

By Shannon Williams • 4 min read • Fri, 12th Dec 2025
Gen Z trust creators over brands for tech decisions
Mobile Device Management

Gen Z trust creators over brands for tech decisions

Gen Z now trust online creators over tech brands, reshaping how phones, wearables and smart home devices are discovered and bought.

By Shannon Williams • 5 min read • Fri, 12th Dec 2025
Beyond the hype: The future of AI communications
Customer Experience

Beyond the hype: The future of AI communications

As AI reshapes communications, experts say human storytelling and clear brand narratives will define who thrives in the coming years.

By Becky Straker • 6 min read • Thu, 11th Dec 2025
Australians lose AUD $432 each on fake online tickets
Payment Technologies

Australians lose AUD $432 each on fake online tickets

One in five Australians has been duped by fake online tickets, losing an average AUD $432 as scams surge ahead of the busy summer events season.

By Melvin Hipolito • 5 min read • Thu, 11th Dec 2025
Real people, real numbers: Why phone verification is your new trust filter
Digital Transformation

Real people, real numbers: Why phone verification is your new trust filter

Phone numbers are becoming the new trust filter, helping businesses block fraud, cut wasted messages and secure real, reachable customers.

By Edmund Ng • 4 min read • Wed, 10th Dec 2025
Australia youth social media ban reshapes brand risk
Data Protection

Australia youth social media ban reshapes brand risk

Australia's youth social media ban forces brands and cyber experts to rethink risk, digital literacy and how they reach young audiences.

By Kaleah Salmon • 5 min read • Wed, 10th Dec 2025

Stories from Other Regions

Social Media stories

Most UK parents back plans to cap kids' social media use
Gaming

Most UK parents back plans to cap kids' social media use

Two thirds of UK parents back government plans to cap children's social media at two hours a day, new Uswitch research suggests.

By Shannon Williams • 5 min read • Fri, 12th Dec 2025
Festive-season cyber fraud surges as shoppers seek discounts
Multi-factor authentication

Festive-season cyber fraud surges as shoppers seek discounts

Festive-season cyber fraud is surging across India, with Karnataka alone reporting losses above INR ₹2,000 crores, experts warn.

By Catherine Knowles • 5 min read • Thu, 11th Dec 2025
ChatGPT leads Apple app & game downloads in NZ
Gaming

ChatGPT leads Apple app & game downloads in NZ

ChatGPT tops Apple's 2025 app charts in New Zealand, as AI tools, social media, streaming and mobile games dominate downloads.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Thu, 11th Dec 2025
NZ MPs unite over child social media safety push
Samsung

NZ MPs unite over child social media safety push

New Zealand MPs unite across party lines to back under-16 social media curbs after a shocking 'Worst Children's Library' exhibit at Parliament.

By Sean Mitchell • 5 min read • Wed, 10th Dec 2025
Langdon backs third culture cuisine with NZD $15m hub
Supply Chain

Langdon backs third culture cuisine with NZD $15m hub

Langdon to pour over NZD $15m into a new South Auckland hub, doubling capacity to feed surging demand for third culture cuisine.

By Melania Watson • 5 min read • Wed, 10th Dec 2025
Gen Z drives shift from ads to creator-led influence
Digital Transformation

Gen Z drives shift from ads to creator-led influence

Gen Z is turning away from polished ads and backing creators, forcing brands to pivot towards social commerce and community-led influence.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Wed, 10th Dec 2025