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Michael Walls
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THE NSW Government has moved to prevent the installation of the TikTok application and remove existing instances of it on government-issued devices, following advice from the Commonwealth Government.
 
As part of this, the NSW Premier will discontinue the use of TikTok and delete the account.
 
On April 4, 2023, the Commonwealth Attorney-General announced amendments to the Commonwealth Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF) that allow the Secretary of the Attorney-General’s Department to issue mandatory directions to government entities that require them to address security risks to the Commonwealth. 
 
As part of this change to the PSPF, a direction has been issued to prevent Federal Government entities from accessing and installing the TikTok application on government-issued devices.
 
Cyber Security NSW will work across the NSW public sector to lead a strategic implementation of the ban on government-issued devices in line with advice from the Commonwealth.
 
This ban will prevent NSW Government clusters and agencies from accessing and installing the TikTok application on government-issued devices.
 
In particular cases where there is a need for TikTok for 'legitimate business reasons’ – such as for public health and safety messaging – agencies must first complete a risk assessment in consultation with the respective Chief Information Security Officer and the Chief Cyber Security Officer. 
 
Cyber Security NSW will provide more detailed advice on related security risk mitigations to NSW Government clusters and agencies.
 
NSW Premier Chris Minns said: “I have asked for Cyber Security NSW to issue advice to NSW Government employees, to implement this change as soon as possible. “I will no longer be using TikTok.
 
“There will be cases where apps such as TikTok are needed for communication to the community – for example public health and safety messaging. The NSW Government will be implementing mitigations to ensure that the security risk of this use is managed appropriately.”
 
Wednesday, 05 April 2023 09:33

WHEN THAT SONG GETS STUCK IN YOUR HEAD

DO you ever find yourself with a song stuck in your head, even if you don't particularly like it or know where it came from? You may have an earworm, a catchy piece of music that plays involuntarily in your mind.
 
Earworms are quite common, with some studies suggesting that up to 98% of people experience them.
 
New research published in the journal Music & Science suggests that repetition is the key factor that causes earworms.
 
The study's author, Professor Emery Schubert, explains that the chorus of a song is usually the most repeated section, which is why it often becomes an earworm.
 
However, repetition alone is not enough; familiarity and recency of the music, as well as being in a relaxed and low-attentional state, are also necessary preconditions.
 
While some people may find earworms enjoyable, they can be a problem if the music is not liked. To get rid of an earworm, one can try finishing the music, consciously thinking of another song, or avoiding triggers like lyrics or memories associated with the music.
 
Earworms provide insights into how we organize and recall material, and further research is needed to understand their nature and their implications for cognition and memory.
Wednesday, 05 April 2023 07:27

SOCIAL CASINOS ARE GROWING

THE Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has released a report on social casinos, offering insights into consumer behavior and industry trends in this rapidly growing market.
 
Social casinos offer online casino-style games without real money wagering, but users can make in-game purchases. Australia ranked in the top five markets by consumer spend in H1 2022, with global revenue expected to grow by 5% per annum until 2025.
 
Research shows that social casino game players tend to be older, with slots being the most popular game. These games are not regulated under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 as they do not involve cashing out winnings.
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Access News is a print and digital media publisher established over 15 years and based in Western Sydney, Australia. Our newspaper titles include the flagship publication, Western Sydney Express, which is a trusted source of information and for hundreds of thousands of decision makers, businesspeople and residents looking for insights into the people, projects, opportunities and networks that shape Australia's fastest growing region - Greater Western Sydney.