Samsung Phone Issues, Google Security & Instagram Updates
The topics I will be covering on the radio this week are::
Telstra finds firmware locked Samsung handsets to Vodafone for Triple-0 calls
Telstra has identified a critical firmware flaw in approximately 70 older Samsung handsets that prevents Triple Zero (000) emergency calls from routing correctly when Telstra and Optus networks are unavailable. These devices are configured to rely solely on Vodafone’s now-defunct 3G network for emergency calls.
Impact on Users Affected users have been given 28 days to either update their device software or replace their phones. Failure to do so will result in the devices being blocked from making calls, sending texts, or using mobile data across all Australian networks.
Carrier Responses
Telstra blames Samsung and Vodafone for the firmware configuration.
Vodafone denies fault, citing limitations in how the devices were originally set up.
Optus and TPG say they’ve warned customers for over a year via texts and emails, especially during the 3G shutdown period.
The list of mobile phones that are affected can be found here :Keeping you safe: an issue with some older mobile devices calling Triple Zero
More information can be found here:Telstra finds firmware locked Samsung handsets to Vodafone for Triple-0 calls
Instagram Tightens Teen Safety Ahead of Australia’s Social Media Ban
With Australia’s under-16 social media ban set to begin on 10 December, Instagram (owned by Meta) is rolling out global changes to restrict what teens can see and do on the platform:
Content Restrictions: Teens aged 13–18 will now experience a PG-13 level of content, limiting exposure to violent or adult material.
AI Chat Limits: Instagram’s AI interactions with teens will be toned down to avoid romantic or sensual conversations.
Account Blocking: Teens won’t be able to follow or interact with accounts linked to adult content (e.g., OnlyFans).
Search Filters: Blocked search terms will expand to include topics like alcohol and gore, but LGBTQ+ terms will remain accessible.
Parental Controls: Parents can now prevent teens from commenting or receiving comments, and further restrict AI conversations.
Industry Pushback & Regulatory Debate
Meta denies these changes are aimed at avoiding inclusion in the upcoming ban.
YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, and Roblox are lobbying for exemptions, arguing they’re not traditional social media platforms.
The eSafety commissioner is evaluating each platform’s features and risk levels.
Communications Minister Anika Wells says she’s confident platforms will comply with Australian law.
Google Announces New Scam Protection Tools
Google Messages improvements. The Android messaging app is gaining two anti-scam tools, a warning when there is a suspected malicious link in a text message and a new Key Verifier tool that lets you verify trusted contacts with a QR code so you can ensure that conversations are protected by end-to-end encryption. Both are available immediately, though Key Verifier requires Android 10 or newer.
New account recovery tools. A new Recovery Contacts feature lets you designate trusted friends or family members as recovery contacts who can help verify your identity and recover your Google account if you get locked out. And you can now recover your Google account using your phone number: Just sign-in using that number and the lock screen passcode from a previous device, no password required.
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