Author: Vanessa May

Quick Read

• AEC secures an $8 million agreement with CDC Data Centres.
• The migration must be finished before the upcoming federal election.
• The contract is valid until 2034, with possible extensions up to 2036.
• Concentrate on confirming that IT systems are stable, secure, and prepared for elections.
• The move involves reducing on-site infrastructure.

The Transition Plan

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is shifting its operations from NEXTDC facilities to CDC Data Centres, aiming to finish the migration before the forthcoming federal election. This transition is a component of a larger strategy to guarantee the security and reliability of election IT systems.

Contract Details

On July 2, 2023, the AEC entered into an $8 million agreement with CDC Data Centres. This contract spans a decade, running through to 2034, with possible extensions until 2036. Notably, this new contract overlaps by six months with the existing ten-year agreement with NEXTDC, which is scheduled to expire at the end of 2024.

Considerations for Timing and Election

The timing of this transition is critical. The Australian Electoral Commission’s (AEC) existing agreement with NEXTDC, located in Bruce, a suburb of Canberra, was scheduled to end on December 11, 2024. Since there is a possibility that the 2024/25 federal election might be announced in the latter half of 2024, the AEC had to finalize the migration by September 2024 to prevent substantial risks to IT operations during the election.

Guaranteeing Stability and Safety of the System

An AEC representative highlighted the significance of this shift to ensure secure, reliable, and ready-to-use IT systems for elections. CDC Data Centres secured the contract through a competitive bidding process managed by a panel put together by the Digital Transformation Agency.

Reducing Workforce and Investing in Cloud Services

The transition to CDC Data Centres offers the AEC a chance to reduce its on-site infrastructure. Currently, the data centre accommodates essential WAN infrastructure, internal business systems, and election delivery services. By shifting to CDC Data Centres, the AEC intends to enhance its cloud capabilities, thereby decreasing the need for physical data centre space.

Key Milestones

The AEC has established four main milestones for this transition, all of which must be achieved before October.

• Setting up the new CDC facility
• Creation of fundamental transport services
• Relocation of AEC infrastructure
• Carrying out assurance tasks for the 2024/25 federal election, including disaster recovery tests and high-availability failover procedures.

Updating Fundamental Voting Mechanisms

This shift is a component of a broader initiative by the AEC to update its fundamental election systems. In recent years, the commission has implemented major enhancements to ensure their systems can address modern requirements and obstacles.

Summary

The Australian Electoral Commission is shifting from NEXTDC facilities to CDC Data Centres in a strategic effort to guarantee secure and dependable IT systems for future elections. This $8 million contract highlights a wider initiative to modernize and reduce on-premises infrastructure while enhancing cloud capabilities. The migration is planned meticulously to prevent any disruptions before possible federal elections in 2024/25.

Q&A

Q: What is the reason behind the AEC transitioning from NEXTDC to CDC Data Centres?

A:

The initiative seeks to maintain the safety, stability, and security of the AEC’s IT systems in preparation for upcoming elections. Additionally, it provides a chance to reduce on-site infrastructure and focus on cloud investments.

Q: How much is the new contract worth and how long will it last?

A:

The AEC entered into an $8 million agreement with CDC Data Centres for a duration of 10 years, extending until 2034, with potential prolongations up to 2036.

Q: When will the transition be finished?

A:

The migration is scheduled to be finished before October 2024 to mitigate any risks related to the possible federal election in the latter half of 2024.

Q: What are the main steps in this transition?

A:

The main objectives consist of readying the new CDC facility, setting up essential carriage services, transitioning AEC infrastructure, and finalizing assurance tasks for the forthcoming federal election, which includes disaster recovery tests and high availability failovers.

Q: In what ways does this transition align with the AEC’s overarching strategy?

A:

This initiative is a component of a broader strategy by the AEC to update its primary election systems and ensure they align with current requirements and obstacles.

What particular infrastructure is planned to be housed at the new data center?

A:

The upcoming data centre will accommodate essential WAN infrastructure, internal business platforms, and election support services. This shift will also facilitate greater investments in cloud technologies.

Quick Read

• An Australian Army IT technician and her partner have been accused of crimes related to espionage.
• The duo is charged with transmitting sensitive Defense information to a personal email account.
• The Australian Federal Police claim that they planned to provide the information to Russian officials.
• Officials have announced that there is no current danger stemming from the incident.
• The charges might increase if a direct connection to a foreign principal is proven.

Incident Overview

An information systems technician in the Australian Army and her partner have been accused of an espionage-related crime for allegedly sending sensitive Defense information from the woman’s account to a private email. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) indicated that the duo, who are Russian-born Australian citizens, planned to provide this information to Russian officials.

Citizenship Details

The woman became an Australian citizen in 2016, followed by her husband in 2020. This detail underscores their relatively recent incorporation into Australian society prior to the suspected espionage incidents.

Allegations

The AFP claims that the duo collaborated to acquire sensitive Defence information while the soldier was on extended leave. During this time, it is reported that she made undisclosed trips to Russia, both with and without her partner. Allegedly, while the man stayed in Australia, the woman directed him to log into her official work account and retrieve specific information, which he then sent to her private email account while she was in Russia.

Security Concerns

The Federal Police claim that the accessed sensitive information pertained to Australia’s national security interests. Despite the seriousness of these claims, officials have reassured the public that there is no current threat from this incident and that no major compromise has been detected at this time.

Potential Increase in Charges

The Federal Police have indicated that the charges against the duo could be upgraded from “preparing for an espionage offence” to espionage if a direct evidential connection to a foreign principal is established in the future. This potential escalation highlights the seriousness of the situation and the ongoing nature of the investigation.

Investigation Details

AFP commissioner Reece Kershaw praised the counter foreign interference taskforce (CFITF) for their “exceptional determination and skill” in probing the alleged actions of the duo. The CFITF comprises the AFP, ASIO, and other Commonwealth partners, underscoring the joint effort required to tackle this security violation.

ASIO Statement

ASIO director-general Mike Burgess highlighted that this situation exemplifies the efforts of numerous countries to pilfer Australia’s secrets. He remarked, “Espionage is not just an outdated cold war concept. It harms our economy and undermines our strategic edge. It can lead to devastating real-world outcomes.”

Summary

This incident strongly emphasizes the persistent dangers associated with espionage. The purported activities of an Australian Army IT specialist and her companion reveal weaknesses in Defence systems and stress the need for rigorous security protocols. The concerted work of multiple Australian security agencies has played a crucial role in detecting and addressing this risk, ensuring that no major breach has taken place to date.

What accusations were made against the pair?

A:

The duo faced charges for an espionage-related offense, accused of allegedly transmitting sensitive Defense information accessed through the woman’s account to a private email with the intention of sharing it with Russian authorities.

Q: By what means did they purportedly acquire the confidential data?

A:

The AFP claims that while the woman was on extended leave and visiting Russia, she guided her partner on how to access her official work account and retrieve certain information to be sent directly to her personal email account.

Is there any current threat stemming from this incident?

A:

Authorities have confirmed that there is no current threat from this incident and no major compromise has been detected at this time.

Is it possible for the charges against them to increase?

A:

Indeed, charges may escalate from “preparing for an espionage offense” to espionage if conclusive evidence linking to a foreign principal is discovered later on.

What organizations took part in examining this case?

A:

The counter foreign interference taskforce (CFITF), comprising the AFP, ASIO, and various other Commonwealth collaborators, carried out the investigation.

What remarks did the director-general of ASIO, Mike Burgess, make regarding this case?

A:

Mike Burgess highlighted that various nations are attempting to steal Australian secrets, resulting in harm to the economy and a reduction in strategic benefits. He stressed that espionage can lead to severe real-world repercussions.

Quick Read

• A senior official from Huawei downplays worries about AI chip shortages impacting China’s objectives for artificial intelligence.
• US restrictions have curtailed China’s ability to obtain cutting-edge AI chips such as those produced by Nvidia.
• Huawei’s Ascend AI chips have less computing power than Nvidia’s products.
• Huawei promotes pioneering strategies, emphasizing cloud computing and an integrated approach to technology infrastructure.

Amidst stricter US limitations on the export of advanced AI chips to China, including a prohibition on sales from companies like the American giant Nvidia, Zhang Ping’an, the CEO of Huawei Cloud, made comments.

“Undoubtedly, China is experiencing constraints in computing power… However, relying exclusively on AI chips with advanced manufacturing process nodes cannot be the sole bedrock for AI infrastructure,” Zhang mentioned at a forum during the World AI Conference in Shanghai, a three-day event.

“If we think that lacking the latest AI chips will prevent us from being at the forefront of AI, then we must reconsider this perspective,” Zhang stated.

Effects of US Regulations

Because it is listed on the US Entity List, Huawei is prohibited from acquiring advanced chips from American companies. This has posed notable challenges for Huawei and other Chinese enterprises striving to enhance their AI technologies. Consequently, these restrictions have driven Huawei and other Chinese businesses to create their own technologies, such as Huawei’s Ascend AI chip.

Creative Strategies and Resolutions

While the Ascend AI chip presently has less power compared to Nvidia’s products, Zhang emphasized the significance of innovation to address these shortcomings. He suggested prioritizing cloud computing and a unified technology strategy that combines cloud, edge, and network solutions to enhance efficiency and lower energy usage.

Huawei Cloud’s Role

Based on Zhang’s statements, Huawei Cloud leads in offering innovative solutions to address the challenges posed by advanced AI chip shortages. Utilizing cloud infrastructure, Huawei seeks to ensure efficient AI training and operations even in the absence of the latest chips.

Summary

A high-ranking executive at Huawei has dismissed worries that a lack of advanced AI chips will hinder China’s goals to dominate the field of artificial intelligence. He advocates for creative strategies centered on cloud computing and an integrated approach to technological infrastructure. Despite restrictions imposed by the US, which limit access to advanced AI chips such as those from Nvidia, Huawei is promoting alternative methods to maintain their AI progress objectives.

Q&A

What did the Huawei executive comment regarding the shortage of AI chips?

A:

The executive downplayed worries that the lack of advanced AI chips would obstruct China’s AI goals but stressed the importance of innovation to tackle the problem.

How have United States restrictions impacted China’s ability to obtain AI chips?

A:

The United States has implemented stricter regulations, including a prohibition on the sale of advanced artificial intelligence chips to China by firms such as Nvidia, thereby restricting China’s access to state-of-the-art technology.

What approach is Huawei taking to address the chip shortage?

A:

Huawei is concentrating on groundbreaking strategies such as cloud computing and a unified technology framework that combines cloud, edge, and network solutions to make up for the absence of cutting-edge AI chips.

How does Huawei’s Ascend AI chip stack up against Nvidia’s products?

A:

The Ascend AI chip is generally seen as having less computing power compared to Nvidia’s products, yet it remains in use by numerous companies in China for AI model training.

Q: What is Huawei’s rationale for considering innovation crucial even in the face of the chip shortage?

A:

Zhang contended that exclusive dependence on the latest chips isn’t essential for excelling in AI. Rather, pioneering computing structures and an emphasis on cloud solutions can address these constraints.

Quick Read

• Meta might prevent access to news content in Australia if mandated to pay licensing fees.
• In 2023, the company implemented a comparable measure in Canada.
• Meta has current agreements with Australian media, however, it will not extend them past 2024.
• Australia’s assistant treasurer is contemplating the implementation of the law.
• Significant Australian television networks are reducing their workforce as a result of revenue declines linked to the expiration of agreements with Meta.
• Meta argues that it adheres to other laws and claims it would follow media laws in a different manner.

Background

Meta, the owner of Facebook, is contemplating the removal of news content from its Australian platform if the government mandates licensing fees. This information was disclosed by Mia Garlick, Meta’s regional policy director, at a parliamentary session.

Political and Regulatory Environment

The possible action arises from an untested law enacted in 2021, which gives the Australian government the authority to impose fees on US tech companies for linking to domestic media content. Garlick noted that Meta is awaiting Canberra’s decision on whether this law will be put into effect.

Comparisons to Canada

This strategy reflects Meta’s response in Canada in 2023 when a comparable law was enacted. The technology corporation adopted a stringent position by restricting news sharing to evade the licensing fees.

Effect on Media in Australia

Although Meta had earlier established agreements with Australian media organizations such as News Corp and the ABC, these contracts will conclude by the end of 2024, and Meta does not plan on extending them. As a result, Australia’s two major free-to-air TV broadcasters, Nine Entertainment and Seven West Media, have declared job reductions owing to projected revenue declines.

Official Statements

Australia’s assistant treasurer is still consulting on whether to implement the law. He suggested that Meta seems to only follow laws that are in its favor. In reaction, Garlick mentioned that restricting news content would also be a way of complying with the law, though it would differ from adherence to other rules such as tax and privacy laws.

Misinformation and Scams

Garlick stood up for Meta’s methods in handling complaints related to harmful misinformation or scams. However, she pointed out that all content moderation centers are based outside of Australia. This issue gained significance in light of the ongoing lawsuit by Australian mining billionaire Andrew Forrest, who is suing Meta for displaying cryptocurrency scam ads that used his image.

Advertising Ethics

At the hearing, Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young challenged Meta’s classification as an advertising company, given that some advertisements spread misinformation. Garlick replied that Meta uses policies and tools designed to prevent misleading ads.

Summary

Meta is considering the possibility of restricting news content on Facebook in Australia if required to pay licensing fees mandated by a 2021 law. This mirrors a strategy previously employed in Canada in 2023. The ultimate decision lies with Australia’s assistant treasurer, who is currently gathering recommendations on the issue. In the interim, leading Australian television networks are experiencing financial strain due to the impending expiration of their existing agreements with Meta.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What reasons is Meta considering for potentially blocking news content on Facebook in Australia?

Meta might prohibit news content if the Australian government implements a law mandating tech companies to pay licensing fees for linking to domestic media content.

Has Meta implemented similar measures in other countries?

A: Yes, Meta adopted a similar strategy in Canada in 2023 when confronted with analogous legislation.

What effect might this have on Australian media organizations?

Significant broadcasters, including Nine Entertainment and Seven West Media, have already disclosed layoffs in anticipation of revenue declines following the expiration of agreements with Meta.

What responsibility does Australia’s assistant treasurer hold in this context?

The assistant treasurer will determine whether to implement the 2021 legislation mandating Meta to pay licensing fees for news material.

Q: What measures does Meta take to address grievances related to false information and fraudulent activities?

Although Meta has measures to tackle these problems, all its content moderation centers are situated outside of Australia.

Q: Which ethical issues have been highlighted concerning Meta’s advertising methods?

Critics, such as Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, have raised concerns about how Meta can be regarded as an advertising company when certain ads disseminate false information.