Connected Car Privacy Offenders | Digital Quality Of Life Index | Southport's $B Tallest Residential Tower | GC Airport Speaks Directly To Qatar and more!
Connected Car Privacy Offenders | Digital Quality Of Life Index | Southport's $B Tallest Residential Tower | GC Airport Speaks Directly To Qatar and more!
Today’s newsletter is 1,194 words: 4.5 minute read.
Happy Thursday, September 14 and the annual R U OK Day.
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In today’s email
Privacy Not Included: Cars are officially the worst data privacy offenders
Digital Quality Of Life Index: Australia boosts global standing
Southport’s Billion Dollar Monarch: Square Project gets the nod from Gold Coast City Council
Trending: A ute takes the tram..
Around The Web (Snippets): A shareable fleet of EVs for a new Surfers residence, September traffic alert for GC Highway, iPhone 15 drops, Smart ePants, Gold Coast Airport goes direct to Qatar Airways and more
Upcoming Events
GC Weekend Weather and Surf
Live Gold Coast Housing Price Index
1. One Big Thing: It’s Official, Cars Are The Worst Product For Data Privacy
What’s Happening?
Modern cars have evolved into data collection powerhouses, posing serious privacy risks, according to an article released by the Mozilla Foundation this week.
In the study, 25 car brands were researched, and every single one returned a "Privacy Not Included" very lousy mark.
Why It Matters
The driving experience has turned into a trade-off between convenience and privacy, redefining the meaning of 'personal' in personal transport.
On the scarier side and where it gets creepy, a whopping 84% of these brands admit to sharing or selling your data.
Zoom In
Locally, there's no lack of motivation for the connected car and EV movement, with an article here at the Gold Coast Minute only a few weeks ago detailing how the City has one of the fastest-growing user bases in the country.
What’s odd, though, is that many people seem unfazed by the fact that 76% of car brands can sell their personal data, while 92% give little control over it, according to the report.
The Big Picture
This is not just an affront to your personal privacy; it’s a systemic issue that appears to have slipped under the radar in the rush of products that have become connected to the internet over the last decade.
What the People Say
We’re not really sure just yet as it’s only really just coming to light, but here at the GC Minute, we can’t believe that dating apps and sex toys publish more detailed security information than cars…
How long until your car starts judging your music taste?
What To Look For Next
Keep your eyes peeled for updated privacy policies, consumer rights debates, and perhaps a new wave of old-school driving enthusiasts rushing back to buy older cars who prefer the simple life with no digital strings attached.
2. Digital Quality of Life
As Australia boosts its global digital standing, the quality of its internet still lags behind its peers, presenting a tale of two digital realities.
What’s Happening?
Australia's digital landscape shows both promise and pitfalls.
Ranked 30th in Digital Quality of Life, we are up five places from last year.
Secures 7th spot globally for e-government services.
Lags in internet speed, ranking 72nd out of 121 countries.
What is the Digital Quality Of Life Index Anyway?
It is study on digital wellbeing across 121 countries (92% of the global population).
The study indexes each country according to five pillars that impact a population's digital quality of life.
The five pillars cover:
i. Internet affordability
ii. Internet quality
iii. Electronic infrastructure
iv. Electronic security
v. Electronic government
Zoom In
The numbers tell a complex tale.
Our fixed internet averages at 89 Mbps, compared to Singapore's 300 Mbps
Mobile internet speed averages 163 Mbps, a 17% increase YoY
Internet affordability ranks 8th globally, with Australians working 1hr 18min a month just to afford fixed broadband
The Big Picture
While the Gold Coast leads the way in many aspects, like Australia’s green technology initiatives, including EV adoption, its residents, too, are subject to the nation's digital shortcomings.
And, these disparities could hold us back in a world increasingly reliant on high-speed internet.
What the People Say
Surfshark's Gabriele Racaityte-Krasauske warns of digital quality's growing role in our lives.
"Daily activities, including work, are now predominantly online."
"Digital quality of life has merged into overall quality of life."
What To Look For Next
Anticipate the government to enhance digital governance further, but internet quality remains the bottleneck for some time.
With much attention drawn to closing gaps of different types throughout the country, this is one that should take priority as it has the potential to benefit all Australians and the nation as a whole.
3. Skyward Surge with $3.1b Imperial Square
What’s Happening?
A nod of approval from the City of Gold Coast has set the stage for Monarch Place, the second act in Azzura Investments' staggering $3.1 billion Imperial Square venture, which will also eventually include the tallest residential tower in Australia.
Why It Matters to Locals
This second act marks a pivotal moment in Southport's urban landscape transformation.
Investment: $500 million
Levels: 40
Dwellings: 1,600 across Imperial Square
Commercial Space: 40,000sqm
The second stage of this massive project isn't just eye candy for skyline enthusiasts; it's a significant boost to the local economy and lifestyle.
Zoom In
Monarch Place is priced at $500 million and is a lynchpin in a project offering up to 40,000 sqm of commercial and retail space.
To cap it off, the larger Imperial Square plans to offer a massive 1,600 dwellings, making it a community within a community.
Broader Implications
Beyond aesthetics, Imperial Square aims to be a self-sufficient microcosm, redefining urban living and diminishing the daily dependence on cars, offering a potential blueprint for future city planning.
What The People Say
"This groundbreaking achievement sets the stage for what the community needs," says Azzura CEO Roberto Badalotti.
"It’s an unprecedented move that will deliver levels of affordability and luxury and a sense of pride among residents."
Coming Soon
Following Monarch Place, expect the construction of Australia's tallest residential tower, adding another jewel to our crown.
This project isn't merely reshaping Southport; it's laying down a marker for what Australian urban spaces can aspire to be.
4. Trending
5. Around The Web (Snippets)
Surfers Paradise Tower Will Get A Shareable Fleet: Of electric vehicles in a very first for the City (just don’t ask for privacy….)
September Traffic Alert: On the Gold Coast Highway between Markeri Street and Cronulla Avenue, Mermaid Beach will continue to be reduced to one lane throughout September
City Council Met for the 835th Time: This morning to discuss the agenda
iPhone 15 Launch Event: Was finally announced, with the new phone being tipped as the next big gaming console
Federal Government Falls Short: Already on its 2028 ‘New Homes’ target, according to Master Builders
Gold Coast Airport In Talks With Qatar: Airways directly following the recent debacle caused by Qantas and the Albanese Federal Government last week
Smart ePants: Program Launched by the US Government To Develop Network-Connected Textiles
Two New Kirra Event Venus: Located directly opposite the beach
Upcoming Events:
Pink Ribbon Race Day: On Saturday, September 16, proudly raising funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation
The Iconic Gold Coast Multicultural Festival: On the Great Lawn in Southport at the beautiful Broadwater Parklands this September 16
The NBL Blitz 23 Is Back: 16-22 at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
Shop Local and Win Competition: With $5,000 worth of prizes each month from September to November 2023 with Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3.
Hi Guys well done informative interesting reading