🗞️ Kiss cam

Good morning. In surprising news, the HR exec (F) from the viral Coldplay 'Kiss Cam' video says she's struggling to get a job.

Who would have thought that hooking up with another exec could have such negative ramifications.

All the headlines and more below...

NATIONAL FUEL PRICES (Day-on-Day Change)

New South Wales reported another 59 stations without fuel, bringing its total to 399, while Queensland and South Australia added another 7 and Victoria went down 23 to 140.

AUSTRALIANS LOST $2.18B TO SCAMS LAST YEAR

Investment scams alone accounted for $837.7M in losses. Payment redirection scams cost $166.8M, romance scams $139.9M, phishing $97.6M and remote access scams $69.9M. The ACCC says AI is making scams significantly harder to detect, with criminals now using fabricated voices, fake videos and live video calls.

ASIC had warned firms about a sevenfold increase in share sale fraud over the previous 4 years. The superannuation sector, dating platforms and online marketplaces aren't even covered by the new framework.

Meanwhile the $50 million penalties that were supposed to hold tech giants, banks and telcos accountable haven't kicked in and there's no confirmed date for when they will.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

• Private health insurers in Australia are expanding into GP services as doctors warn Medicare rebates are lagging behind costs, raising fears of reduced bulk-billing access. LINK

• The government has halved the fuel excise and scrapped the heavy vehicle road user charge for 3 months as the Middle East War drives oil prices higher, costing $2.6B. LINK

• The NDIS is facing significant challenges as annual growth remains at 8% and efforts to slow spending progress at a glacial pace despite previous intentions. LINK

• The trucking industry has warned that a 3-month 26.3c per litre fuel excise cut is insufficient as diesel prices have nearly doubled in a month, pushing for a 6-month excise removal and tax relief. LINK

• The Gold Coast has recorded a record 75 cranes in early 2026, surpassing Brisbane’s 64, as nationwide construction work hits $318B with 838 cranes operating. LINK

META AND GOOGLE JUST LOST A SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTION TRIAL

A Los Angeles jury found Meta and Google negligent, ruling both companies knew their platform designs were dangerous to young users and failed to warn them. Meta was found 70% responsible, YouTube 30%. The plaintiff, who began using social media at age 10, developed anxiety, depression, self-harm and body dysmorphia.

Plaintiffs targeted platform design - infinite scroll, likes, notifications and algorithmic feeds. Australia has already banned under-16s from social media. Brazil has banned features like infinite scroll. It looks like every social platform will soon have to decide if the features that make their products so addictive might just be the very ones that make them liable.

The US$6M payout is pocket change for both companies but the thousands already waiting in line to sue them is not.

COMPANY NEWS

• Google will need to negotiate with the ATO on tax rules for a potential $20B AI and data centre investment. LINK

• Disney is set to launch an ad-supported tier of Disney+ in Australia and New Zealand within months, offering targeted advertising and three subscription options, with pricing yet to be disclosed. LINK

• Bupa has reported that almost 1 in 10 of its 4.4 million Australian customers have downgraded policies over 2 years as health insurance premiums rise 4.4%. LINK

• Lego has launched Lego Smart Play, an interactive brick platform with sensors, lights and sounds, aiming to keep children engaged with physical play instead of screens. LINK

• Sportsbet has voluntarily ended its in-stadia AFL advertising at Marvel Stadium and the MCG for the 2026 season while still paying the estimated $100M seven-year fee that blocks competitors. LINK

• A number of Australian companies including Rio Tinto, Santos and Breville have launched legal action in the US to reclaim tariffs imposed under former US President Donald Trump. LINK

• ABC staff are considering a week-long strike during the May federal budget as pay negotiations stall after a 9-month process led to a recent landmark walkout. LINK

• Luxottica Franchising Australia has paid a $19,800 penalty to the ACCC after failing to update its franchise disclosure profile by May last year, affecting over 400 stores nationally. LINK

• Myer has launched a campaign featuring Gen Z talent to promote the return of Gap and other brands, as part of its strategy to attract younger shoppers. LINK

• Virgin Australia has unveiled a vintage all-red Boeing 737 named Lake Centenary as its 100th 737, marking the arrival of its 16th Max 8 for improved fuel efficiency. LINK

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CHART OF THE DAY

How fuel prices compare around the world

ONE MORE SCROLL

Editor’s Pick: Spotify says more than 1,500 artists earned over $1 million in royalties last year.

Draft Pick: ‘She’s been busy’: How the AFL (finally) landed Kylie Minogue for the grand final.

Odd Pick: Five Guys CEO says he gave $1.5 million bonus to employees because ‘I didn't want anybody shooting me'.

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