Overview

• NSW DPHI is initiating a significant digital overhaul to facilitate housing reforms.
• The transformation encompasses a two-year technology strategy aimed at advancing the NSW Planning Portal.
• AI is being deployed to automate fundamental tasks and aid in planning-related decision-making.
• Emerging technologies are designed to tackle inefficiencies in housing development procedures.
• This transformation is viewed as a continuous endeavor rather than a singular occasion.

Digital Shift at NSW DPHI

The New South Wales Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) is leading a digital shift to enhance housing availability in New South Wales. As part of this effort, the department is upgrading its digital frameworks and integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its operations, following a comprehensive reform of planning regulations, the most extensive in the last fifty years.

NSW DPHI’s Nerida Mooney, situated on the far right, at Pega Innovate.

Adjusting to Updated Planning Regulations

During her speech at Pega Innovate in Melbourne, Nerida Mooney, the executive director for digital and customer at DPHI, stressed the importance of aligning digital frameworks with the new planning regulations. This transformation includes a two-year feature set and technology plan designed to upgrade the NSW Planning Portal.

Utilizing AI for Enhanced Efficiency

The department is harnessing AI to automate mundane administrative responsibilities and optimize decision-making procedures. The significance of AI is especially evident in addressing the deficit of skilled planners by ensuring only applications that are fully prepared make their way to senior planners, thus maximizing resource efficiency.

Enhancing User Experience

To improve user experience, DPHI has adopted Pega Co-Browse within their customer service framework. This feature enables applicants to share their screens with agents, markedly cutting down the time required to address inquiries and boosting overall service effectiveness.

Commitment to Ongoing Change

DPHI is dedicated to approaching transformation as a perpetual process integrated into everyday functions. This mindset guarantees that innovation stays at the forefront, even while managing the limitations of public sector obligations and fiscal responsibility.

Conclusion

NSW DPHI is at the leading edge of digital transformation in the governmental realm, employing AI and advanced technologies to facilitate housing reforms. By concentrating on constant enhancement and efficiency, the department aspires to increase housing supply and enrich customer interactions in New South Wales.

Q:

What is the primary objective of DPHI’s digital transformation?

A:

The primary objective is to support housing reforms through the enhancement of digital systems and the integration of AI to streamline planning activities and boost housing supply in New South Wales.

Q:

In what ways is AI implemented in DPHI’s new framework?

A:

AI is utilized to automate repetitive tasks, aid in decision-making, and ensure that planners only receive fully-prepared submissions, thus improving efficiency and resource allocation.

Q:

What modifications have been introduced to enhance customer service?

A:

DPHI has launched Pega Co-Browse, which enables applicants to share their screens with agents, significantly shortening query resolution times and enriching customer service.

Q:

What is the significance of continuous transformation for DPHI?

A:

Continuous transformation ensures that the department stays innovative and efficient, adapting to new challenges while upholding public accountability and fiscal responsibility.

Quick Read

• EU has designated 19 tech firms as essential for its finance sector.
• Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, and Microsoft are included in this designation.
• The Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) is now in force.
• It aims to safeguard the finance industry against tech failures and disruptions.
• The UK is contemplating a similar regulatory framework.

Understanding DORA and Its Consequences

The European Union’s Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) took effect in January 2025, focusing on strengthening the bloc’s financial sector against possible technological disruptions. According to DORA, three principal EU financial regulators will supervise tech firms categorized as critical.

Designated Key Tech Providers

Included among the 19 firms classified as critical are the European divisions of Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, Microsoft, IBM, and others. This initiative is intended to diminish risks that may emerge from a significant tech provider suffering outages.

Responses from the Tech Giants

Leaders in the industry have reacted favorably to this classification. Google Cloud and LSEG have voiced their support, while Microsoft and Amazon Web Services pledged to comply with European cybersecurity regulations.

Concerns Regarding Financial Sector Resilience

Officials in Europe have heightened worries regarding the resilience of their financial systems, citing concerns such as geopolitical tensions and tech disruptions. This has led to regulatory measures aimed at ensuring stability.

UK’s Parallel Efforts

The UK is investigating a similar regulatory system but has not yet designated any companies. UK regulators have updated the finance ministry, with designations anticipated by the following year.

Summary

The EU’s choice to label certain tech companies as critical under DORA represents a significant advancement towards protecting its financial sector. This initiative highlights rising apprehensions over technological dependencies and intends to bolster the resilience of vital financial services.

Q&A

Q: What does DORA stand for?

A: DORA refers to the Digital Operational Resilience Act, an EU regulation to guarantee resilience in the financial sector against tech disruptions.

Q: Which companies are impacted by this designation?

A: Firms such as Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, Microsoft, IBM, and others have been identified as critical providers.

Q: Why has the EU enacted these regulations?

A: The EU seeks to shield its financial sector from risks linked to reliance on external tech providers.

Q: How have the companies reacted?

A: Most firms have embraced the designation and are dedicated to adhering to the newly established rules.

Q: Is the UK introducing similar regulations?

A: Yes, the UK is evaluating a similar strategy, with expectations for designations by the next year.

Q: What risks could arise if a tech provider experiences an outage?

A: An outage could disrupt crucial banking services, jeopardizing financial stability across the EU.

Quick Overview

• Australian Roblox users will need facial age verification for chat from December 2023.
• Verification utilizes facial biometric information, and estimated age dictates chat access.
• There are six age categories established for the Roblox chat function.
• The verification procedure is managed by Persona, with video data erased after verification.
• Users can amend age estimation inaccuracies via government ID or with parental approval.
• New protective measures will be introduced for children, including default private accounts for users under 16.

Compulsory Facial Age Verification for Roblox Users

Beginning December 2023, users in Australia of the widely used platform Roblox will be required to complete facial age verification in order to use the in-game chat feature. This action is in accordance with new social media age guidelines set by the federal government.

Implementation of Age Verification System

Roblox aims to debut this system first in Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands, with an anticipated global expansion starting in January 2024. The age verification process will be conducted through the Roblox mobile application, utilizing facial biometric data to estimate the user’s age and assess their chat permissions according to specified age segments.

Specified Age Categories

The organization has defined six specific age categories for its chat feature: under nines, ages 10 to 12, ages 13 to 15, ages 16 to 17, ages 18 to 20, and over 21. This classification helps guarantee safe and age-appropriate communication between users.

Details of the Verification Procedure

The verification procedure is carried out by Persona, a third-party service also utilized by Reddit in the UK to comply with age restriction regulations. It requires users to record a brief video, which is subsequently deleted after the verification process. If there are inaccuracies in age estimation, users may correct it using a government-issued ID or through parental consent.

Guaranteeing Precise Age Estimation

Roblox expresses confidence in the precision of Persona’s age estimation methodology, referencing a mean absolute error of 1.4 years for individuals under 18, as determined by evaluations conducted by the Age Check Certification Scheme (ACCS) in the UK.

Future Adjustments and Safety Protocols

By early 2026, age verification requirements will also apply to Roblox Studio, the platform for creating worlds and experiences. Furthermore, creators will be prohibited from sharing social media links to minimize risky interactions, with few exceptions for verified users aged over 13.

Conforming to New Safety Regulations

These updates anticipate newly enacted laws that restrict social media access for users under 16, which will affect platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Nevertheless, Roblox is classified as a game, exempting it from a complete ban under these regulations.

Conclusion

Starting December 2023, Australian Roblox users will be mandated to complete facial age verification to access in-game chat. This initiative is designed to foster safer interactions for younger players and complies with the latest social media age restrictions. The implementation, facilitated by Persona, guarantees privacy and accuracy and allows for corrections of age estimation mistakes.

Q: What is the goal of Roblox’s facial age verification?

A: The aim of the verification is to ensure that interactions among users are safe and appropriate for their age by placing them into defined age categories based on estimated age.

Q: What is the process for age verification?

A: The procedure employs facial biometric data to estimate a user’s age. A brief video is made and deleted after verification. Users can resolve errors using government ID or parental permission.

Q: Will all Roblox users be affected by this verification?

A: Initially, it will impact Australian users looking to use the in-game chat. The system will later be extended to other locations, beginning with New Zealand and the Netherlands.

Q: What are the defined age categories for chat access?

A: The categories consist of under nines, ages 10 to 12, ages 13 to 15, ages 16 to 17, ages 18 to 20, and over 21, ensuring suitable communication among similar age groups.