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Australian telecom company Telstra and tech giant Microsoft have announced a deepening of their strategic partnership to promote AI innovation and digital transformation in Australia. The two companies will combine Microsoft's advanced AI technologies with Telstra's ultra-fast intercity fiber network, aiming to enhance the AI ecosystem and accelerate the digital transition. Microsoft sees Telstra as a strategic partner in expanding AI infrastructure in Australia, while Telstra's new fiber network will support Microsoft's infrastructure needs.

Australia has released new online safety standards, causing concerns among tech companies. Microsoft, Meta, and others worry that the standards may weaken AI system protections. The new standards target generative artificial intelligence, addressing child safety and terrorism-related content. Tech companies believe the standards could limit AI training and affect the accuracy of content moderation.

Australian AI company Appen has announced that it is considering the sale of part or all of its business to adapt to market changes and financial pressures. The company has raised AUD 30 million in equity and implemented a total cost-cutting plan of USD 60 million. As of the end of October 2023, the company's revenue and gross profit have decreased by 29% and 32%, respectively, with the stock price suffering and an entire overhaul of the executive team. To stabilize its financial situation, Appen has announced an additional cost-cutting plan of USD 14 million to address business challenges.

Experts say Australia is lagging in AI funding and regulation, especially after the U.S. issued an executive order on AI regulation. The Australian government has signed the AI safety declaration but has not responded to calls for an AI safety investigation, raising concerns. The government has received over 500 submissions on AI but lacks specific regulatory details, and experts emphasize that Australia needs to take more proactive measures.

Microsoft plans to invest AUD 5 billion in Australia over the next two years to enhance its artificial intelligence and cloud computing capabilities. The investment will be used to increase computing power and expand data center capacity, as well as to train 300,000 Australians in the skills needed for the digital economy. Microsoft stated that the investment will help Australia seize the growth opportunities presented by the era of artificial intelligence. The Australian government welcomed the investment, believing it will help prepare Australians for future employment. Microsoft's investment reflects its long-term commitment to the development of artificial intelligence in Australia.

New Australian regulations require tech giants to eliminate AI-generated child abuse images. The regulations mandate tech companies to regularly review and improve AI tools to address the issue of child abuse images potentially generated by artificial intelligence. The eSafety Commissioner urges tech companies to reduce the harms caused by their products, requiring search engines to remove child abuse material and prevent the generation of deepfake images.