DamnwellMedia/iStock/Getty Images Plus Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source<!–> on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways Nearly all developers now rely on AI tools. AI amplifies strengths and magnifies dysfunction. High-quality platforms are a must for AI success. Google released its 2025 DORA software development report–>. DORA (DevOps Research & Assessment) is a research program at Google […] More

Google announced today it was rolling back a recent Chrome browser privacy feature to prevent any disruption to existing websites and their availability during the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. “In light of the extraordinary global circumstances due to COVID-19, we are temporarily rolling back the enforcement of SameSite cookie labeling, starting today,” Justin Schuh, Director […] More

The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (Austrac) announced on Wednesday it has concluded its investigation into Afterpay, having decided it will not pursue any further regulatory action.
Austrac ordered the appointment of an external auditor into Afterpay’s Australian operations in June last year. Specifically, the regulator asked for the examination of Afterpay’s compliance with the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (AML/CTF Act).
“In response to the findings and recommendations identified in the external audit report, Afterpay has uplifted its AML/CTF compliance framework and financial crime function, and completed all remediation necessary to ensure compliance,” Austrac wrote on Wednesday.
“After considering the report and the response by Afterpay, Austrac has decided not to undertake further regulatory action.
Austrac said it has “reiterated the importance” for Afterpay to meet its compliance obligations in the future, and that it would continue to work with the company to ensure it understands the compliance obligations it has, as well as its role in fighting financial crime.
See also: Sweeping change: Fintech committee offers ‘quick wins’ fix to Australian ecosystem
The regulator took the opportunity to remind new and emerging financial services businesses that they may have obligations under the AML/CTF Act.  
“Startup ventures and technology-based financial businesses must consider whether they have AML/CTF obligations and if they do put in place systems and controls that identify and mitigate money laundering and terrorism financing risks,” Austrac said.
Austrac in September asked for a similar investigation of PayPal, with the examination to focus on “ongoing concerns” regarding the Australian arm’s compliance with the AML/CTF Act.
These concerns relate to PayPal Australia’s compliance with its International Funds Transfer Instruction reporting obligations.
However, Austrac in March announced an extension was granted to the auditors, taking into consideration the scope of the audit, the size, and complexity of PayPal Australia’s business operations and the overlap with PayPal’s international operations.
“The extension will allow PayPal Australia and the external auditor to fully examine their compliance with the AML/CTF Act,” Austrac said.
Last month, Austrac reached an agreement with Westpac to settle the anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing allegations that were raised by the watchdog in November 2019.
Should the Federal Court accept the penalty, the bank will pay AU$1.3 billion for breaching the AML/CTF Act over 23 million times. Westpac has admitted to the breaches, which include failing to report international funds transfers of more than AU$11 billion.
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Image: Department of Health The recent experience of Jim Mussared with the COVIDSafe app illustrates how Australia is still behind the pace when it comes to handling reports of cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The government’s official COVID-19 contact tracing app, which is more accurately described as an exposure notification app, is based on Singapore’s TraceTogether app. It […] More

Smart home gadgets are all the rage, but it’s a slippery slope. As soon as you’re done installing your first gadget, you’re in the market for the next, and it can get pretty expensive.  Amazon Prime Day is a good time to pick up  your next smart home device for less, because there are some fantastic deals out there on a whole range of devices. With that in mind, I’ve trawled through the unbelievable number of deals that are available over Prime Day 2021 — tens of thousands! — and distilled them down into a handful of the best. Deals come and go over the two days, and I’ll be updating this post with fresh deals, so keep checking back. Also, if you find a good deal I’ve missed, feel free to drop me a note (a Twitter DM probably gets the quickest response). 

27% off

Ring

With its 8-inch HD touchscreen, adaptive color, and stereo speakers, the all-new Echo Show 8 is the perfect hub for your smart home setup.8.0-inch touchscreen 1280 x 800 resolution display.13 MP camera that uses auto-framing to keep you centered.Built-in camera shutter and microphone/camera off button

$95 at Amazon

50% off

Ring

It might be tiny, but it packs all the power and punch of a full-sized Echo! There’s a reason why this is Amazn’s most popular smart speaker!Better speaker quality than Echo Dot Gen 2 for richer and louder sound. Pair with a second Echo Dot for stereo sound.Stream songs from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, Sirius XM, and others.Turn on lights, adjust thermostats, lock doors, and more with compatible connected devices. Create routines to start and end your day.Call almost anyone hands-free. Instantly drop in on other rooms in your home or make an announcement to every room with a compatible Echo device.

$20 at Amazon

41% off

Ring

Blink Outdoor wireless battery-powered HD security camera with infrared night vision.Runs for up to two years on two AA lithium batteries (included).Store video clips and photos in the cloud with the Blink Subscription Plan or save locally to the Blink Sync Module 2 via a USB flash drive (sold separately).Built to withstand the elements.No wiring or professional installation required.Get motion detection alerts on your phone.See, hear, and speak to visitors with live view in real time and two-way audio features on your Blink app.

$225 at Amazon

36% off

Certified Refurbished Video Doorbell Pro has been refurbished, tested, and certified to look and work like new, and also comes with the same limited warranty as a new device.1080p HD video doorbell that lets you see, hear and speak to people from your phone, tablet, or select Echo device. Includes privacy features, such as customizable privacy zones and audio privacy, to focus only on what’s relevant to you.Get notifications whenever motion is detected by customizing your motion zones.With Live View, you can check in on your home any time through the Ring app.

$89 at Amazon

30% off

Ring

At the heart of any good smart home system is a solid, reliable Wi-Fi connection, and things don’t get much better than the Amazon eero Pro mesh.The Amazon eero Pro mesh WiFi kit (3 eero Pros) replaces the traditional WiFi router, WiFi extender, and internet booster.Capable of covering a 5+ bedroom home with fast and reliable internet powered by a mesh network.Unlike the common internet routers and wireless access points, eero automatically updates once a month, always keeping your home WiFi system on the cutting edge.eero mesh WiFi network leverages multiple wireless access points to create an incredibly dependable internet experience, all on a single mesh WiFi system.Quick & easy setup.

$349 at Amazon

40% amount off

Ring

Quickly and easily setup your Ring Alarm by plugging in your base station, connecting to wifi via the Ring app, and placing your sensors in their ideal locations.A great fit for 1-2 bedroom homes.Kit includes one base station, one keypad, four contact sensors, one motion detector, and one range extender.Optional 24/7 professional monitoring with Ring Protect Plus for $10/month.

$150 at Amazon

More Prime Day 2021 deals

We plan to update this guide with more smart home device deals as we spot them.

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