About the Editor
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Hey CCHS, I'm Jake Bunker and I'm the tech editor.
I am a Senior this year and I enjoy watching movies, weight lifting and driving. Some of my hobbies include hanging out with friends, boating/wake boarding and being on the schools Track team. |
AUSTRALIA teen social media ban and what that means for us
Written by Jake Bunker
1/7/26
1/7/26
Photo Credit: NPR
Australia has introduced a new ban that blocks anyone under sixteen from using major social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, and Facebook. The law passed in December 2025 and represents the first nationwide restriction around the world. Under this policy, platforms must prevent underage users from creating or owning accounts, and companies that fail to comply face fines reaching nearly fifty million Australian dollars. The ban was created because of concerns about online harms, addictive content, and the mental health impact of constant reel scrolling among young people. Many parents and child safety advocates have welcomed the move, while technology companies and free speech groups have criticized it as over the top and difficult to enforce.
Reports show that some Australian teens are already finding ways around the restrictions by turning to lesser-known apps that are not yet covered by the law. This demonstrates a major challenge for regulators, who must rely on age verification systems that are still imperfect and sometimes intrusive. Despite these issues, the Australian government views the ban as a necessary experiment to protect kids from digital risks, and other countries are watching closely to see how effective the policy is. The question now is if a similar ban could happen in the United States. While the US has debated restrictions on TikTok and other platforms, especially regarding data privacy and national security, a nationwide ban specifically targeting teens would face significant legal and political obstacles. The First Amendment protects freedom of expression, and courts have always been skeptical of large limits on minors’ access to online platforms. Additionally, the US is more scattered in banning social media, with states rather than the federal government often taking the lead on digital safety laws. Still, Australia’s policy could influence future discussions in the US. Lawmakers may look to the Australian model as evidence that large-scale restrictions are possible, even if difficult. Concerns about teen mental health, online addiction, and harmful content continue to grow, and these pressures could eventually push the US toward stronger regulations, though likely not a full ban. |
Details behind the banLaw: The law was passed as the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024
Ban Start Date: 10 December 2025 Who’s Affected: All Australians under 16 Platforms Covered: TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Reddit, Facebook, Threads, X, Twitch, Kick (10 platforms) Penalties: Up to A $49.5 million for companies with non‑compliance Type of Ban: Under‑16s can’t create or maintain accounts, platforms must block access 
Photo Credit: Reuters
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AI and its effects on the phone market
Written by Jake Bunker
12/12/25
12/12/25
Photo credit: Manufacturing Today
Artificial intelligence is forcing a powerful economic spike, but it is also creating new pressures that could push prices higher across multiple factors. As companies race to build data centers and expand computing ability, demand for advanced microchips has skyrocketed, and this shift is changing global supply chains in ways that consumers will be greatly affected by. The boom in AI infrastructure is so large that it is lifting national economic levels, yet analysts warn that the growth masks deeper problems and rising costs beneath the surface.
Chipmakers are prioritizing high-demand AI components, which are essential for training and running large scale systems, and this shift is reducing production of lower-tier chips used in everyday electronics. As supply shrinks, prices for smartphones, laptops, and other consumer devices are expected to rise, since manufacturers must compete for limited components or redesign products around more expensive alternatives. This connection shows how AI investment, while technologically advanced, can create ripples that spread far beyond the tech sector. Economists also warn that the AI boom resembles past terms of heated investments, and if spending slows, the larger economy could be exposed to subtle weaknesses that have been temporarily hidden by economic investments into AI infrastructure. This creates a loop in which AI both stimulates growth and contributes to price change, especially in markets that depend on complex supply chains. The rapid growth of new data centers requires large amounts of specialized chips, memory, and power systems, and the competition for these resources is growing as companies scale up their AI plans. With supply unable to keep up, shortages become more likely, and shortages almost always turn into higher prices for both businesses and consumers. The AI boom promises advancement and greater efficiency, but it also introduces new economic pressures that industry leaders must navigate carefully. Without strategic planning, the same thing driving AI progress could also drive a new form of inflation. |
Effects on tech
Photo Credit: Grand View Research
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Google's AI expansion in Europe
Written by Jake Bunker
11/19/25
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Google is making a major push to expand its AI presence across Europe, committing billions of euros to new data centers, training programs, and cloud infrastructure. This surge in investment reflects the company's belief that Europe can become a central hub in the global development of artificial intelligence, and it also shows how Google aims to support digital improvement and growth in a responsible and sustainable way
Photo Credit: Euronews.com
One of the most major recent announcements is a multi-billion euro investment in Belgium. Google is expanding its data center operations in Saint Ghislain and plans to add hundreds of full-time jobs. This effort will increase the computing power needed for Google Cloud and a wide range of AI services. The company is also working with Belgian energy providers to build new renewable energy projects, supporting its long term goal of operating on carbon-free energy. Google is also funding free AI skills training for workers in Belgium, including people who may have fewer opportunities to access new technological education. Germany is set to receive an even larger investment. Google has committed several billion euros through the end of the decade to build and expand major data centers in the Frankfurt region, including sites in Dietzenbach and Hanau. These facilities will support sovereign cloud services designed to meet Europe's data protection expectations. Google is also growing its offices in Frankfurt, Berlin, and Munich, while investing in clean energy systems such as heat recovery and renewable power sources.
Beyond infrastructure, Google is focusing on building talent. Through the AI Opportunity Initiative for Europe, the company is setting aside millions of euros to help people in under-served communities gain practical AI skills. In Central and Eastern Europe, Google has also funded cloud computing resources and doctoral scholarships to strengthen regional research capacity. Together, these investments show Google's long-term commitment to Europe. By expanding data centers, supporting clean energy, and providing wide access to AI education, the company aims to help shape a strong and inclusive AI future for the continent. |
Photo Credit: The telegraph
Top 10 countries with AI infrastructure
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MAC VS. WINDOWS VS. LINUX
11/14/25
Photo Credit: DEV Community.webp
When it comes to computer processors, there are two big ones: Windows and Mac. However, there’s also another popular one among coders and other people familiar with computer processing units: Linux. So what’s the difference between these three?
Mac
Mac is best known for its appearance on MacBooks produced by Apple. Among programmers, it is well liked for being “based on Unix (similar to Linux),” according to Reddit users, which grants “easier access to command line tools [...].” According to other users, Macs are also considered accessible since Apple employees are provided with MacBooks.
Windows
Windows processors are some of the most widely used for anyone doing anything on PC—gaming PCs are almost always running Windows. Windows has a wide variety of software compatibility, meaning there is essentially nothing that a Windows PC can’t run. According to TFE Times, “Windows supports a wider range of games and software than any other operating system, ensuring that gamers can play virtually any title, from mainstream AAA games to indie projects.” If a computer program exists, it can probably run on Windows unless it’s an Apple exclusive.
Linux
Linux, unlike Windows and Mac, needs a bit of an introduction. It is an open-source digital processor created in 1991, yet is still only known by people in the digital space. However, according to Wikipedia, Android phones usually run on Linux behind the scenes. Linux is liked for being free, open-source, highly customizable, and secure. As other pieces of software hammer in on bringing in AI and encroaching on users’ privacy, Linux is getting even more popular among avid computer users due to its security.
When it comes to picking one out, it’s up to user preference. If you’re looking for good programming software, Mac or Linux is great. If you want to game, Windows or Linux can be great. If you want ease of installation, Mac or Windows. Or, if you just want to use your computer for the basics, a simple laptop of any kind will serve you well.
Mac
Mac is best known for its appearance on MacBooks produced by Apple. Among programmers, it is well liked for being “based on Unix (similar to Linux),” according to Reddit users, which grants “easier access to command line tools [...].” According to other users, Macs are also considered accessible since Apple employees are provided with MacBooks.
Windows
Windows processors are some of the most widely used for anyone doing anything on PC—gaming PCs are almost always running Windows. Windows has a wide variety of software compatibility, meaning there is essentially nothing that a Windows PC can’t run. According to TFE Times, “Windows supports a wider range of games and software than any other operating system, ensuring that gamers can play virtually any title, from mainstream AAA games to indie projects.” If a computer program exists, it can probably run on Windows unless it’s an Apple exclusive.
Linux
Linux, unlike Windows and Mac, needs a bit of an introduction. It is an open-source digital processor created in 1991, yet is still only known by people in the digital space. However, according to Wikipedia, Android phones usually run on Linux behind the scenes. Linux is liked for being free, open-source, highly customizable, and secure. As other pieces of software hammer in on bringing in AI and encroaching on users’ privacy, Linux is getting even more popular among avid computer users due to its security.
When it comes to picking one out, it’s up to user preference. If you’re looking for good programming software, Mac or Linux is great. If you want to game, Windows or Linux can be great. If you want ease of installation, Mac or Windows. Or, if you just want to use your computer for the basics, a simple laptop of any kind will serve you well.
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Photo credit: WallpaperHub.jpg
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AI's takeover of the internet
Written by: Jake Bunker
11/9/25
11/9/25
Photo Credit: TechNewsWorld
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Artificial intelligence is changing the way people search for information online. For decades, search engines like Google and Bing have relied on keywords and links to organize the web. Now, AI tools are beginning to take their place, offering users direct answers instead of lists of websites. When someone types a question into an AI-powered assistant, the response often comes in the form of a summary or explanation rather than a series of search results. This shift is transforming how people discover knowledge and interact with the internet. AI driven search changes the experience by focusing on understanding intent instead of matching words. These systems analyze and deliver results that feel more real and personalized. Instead of browsing through pages, users receive immediate answers crafted by machine learning models that have studied loads of documents.
This convenience saves time but also raises concerns about how information is selected and presented. Traditional search engines rely on algorithms that rank sites according to relevance, authority, and popularity. With AI, the process becomes more opaque. The system decides what to include in its summary and what to leave out, which means that bias or misinformation could be amplified without the user realizing it. Some experts argue that this gives too much control to the companies developing the technology, since they shape what information people see first. Another impact of AI in search is competition. New AI assistants and chatbots are emerging as direct alternatives to conventional search engines, attracting users who prefer conversation to clicking links. As more people turn to these systems, web traffic patterns may shift, forcing publishers and advertisers to adapt. The rise of AI-powered search engines represents a turning point in how humans and machines interact with information. It promises speed, accuracy, and convenience, but also challenges realness and diversity in what we read and learn online. The future of search may no longer be about finding links, but about trusting the answers an intelligent system gives us. |
Interesting facts about AI searches Plain‑language answers: Modern AI searchbars don’t just list links. They generate full responses in natural, conversational language, making complex topics easier to understand without clicking through multiple sites. Verified information: Many systems now include citations alongside their answers. This allows readers to quickly trace the source of a claim, adding transparency and accountability to the search process. Adaptive depth: AI search responses scale to the question. A simple question might return a short summary, while a technical question can trigger a more layered explanation with context and examples. Creative capability: AI searchbars can produce original content like stories, poems, and images directly from an idea. This can shift the search bar from a tool of discovery to one of creation. 
Photo Credit: BBC
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Cyber security
Written by: Joe Covey, Science editor
10/31/25
10/31/25
With the increase of knowledge in technology, there is also an increase in cyber attacks and fraud as we go. Many people have started to worry about their private information and even their bank accounts being accessed by other people. Luckily, there has been a great advancement in cyber security, especially a strong defense called Blockchain. Blockchain is “based on principles of cryptography, decentralization and consensus, which ensure trust in transactions. In most blockchain or distributed ledger technologies (DLT), the data is structured into blocks and each block contains a transaction or bundle of transactions,” as stated by International Business Machines Corporation (IBM).
Photo Credit: Built In
It's okay if this doesn't make much sense, but in a nutshell, it means that it takes your information in groups and adds a unique seal to it. This helps because even if there is something that cracks the seal, it will still have to go through many more to get all of your information. Some great things about Blockchain are that 95% of funds are stored in cold wallets, and it secures software on desktop and mobile phones. Blockchain.com states that “Our information security management system is continuously maturing to stay up-to-date with best-in-class security,” so you don't have to worry about your security getting outdated. Blockchain was first known for its role in cryptocurrency but now does much more, as stated by Kaspersky: “From banking and healthcare to supply chains and traceability, blockchains play an increasingly integral role in our daily lives.” There is also something called Private Blockchain. It is also known as permissioned blockchain. It is centralized as the whole network is controlled by the network administrator. Geeksforgeeks states that “Anyone who wants to enter the blockchain requires permission from the network administrator. The transactions are private as only the members of the blockchain have access to it.” This is great because it adds an extra line of defense to your information. Blockchain is a great way to protect your cyber information and is really trusted by many people. Blockchain is one of the most popular cyber defenses that there is.
Photo Credit: YourSorty.com
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Photo Credit: Britannica
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Apple removes I.C.E. Trackers
Written By Jake Bunker 10/17/2025
Photo credit: NBC News
Ice has become a very well known organization in recent times, mostly due to their hash and aggressive style of enforcement. Naturally, people would want to have a way to track the program and keep informed on where they are. Needless to say, people jumped on the opportunity to try and create trackers for mobile devices to be able to track the officers' movements and actions, creating a new type of market for mobile apps. This surge in trackers started to become an issue due to concerns from the government about the safety and security of their officers.
One of the biggest apps to come out of this was the app called ICEBlock, created by Joshua Aaron. However, due to recent safety concerns, ICEBlock and all the other main tracking apps have been removed from the app store by Apple. The process has not been out of nowhere. For months the government has been working to try and do away with these, but only recently being able to. Just like most ICE agents and representatives, the US Attorney General Pam Bondi has issued her claims through a statement saying “ICEBlock is designed to put ICE agents at risk just for doing their jobs, and violence against law enforcement is an intolerable red line that cannot be crossed.” On the other hand, the developers are issuing their own complaints due to the banning of the apps they made just like the issues brought up by Joshua while stating “ICEBlock is no different from crowdsourcing speed traps, which every notable mapping application, including Apple’s own Maps app, implements as part of its core services.”
Apple's involvement and willingness with the taking down of these apps is not to very much surprise, mainly due to the issues they have been going through with the president and the tariffs he has threatened them with due to their large amount of overseas manufacturing. For now, it is unknown what will happen with these apps and if they will come back.
One of the biggest apps to come out of this was the app called ICEBlock, created by Joshua Aaron. However, due to recent safety concerns, ICEBlock and all the other main tracking apps have been removed from the app store by Apple. The process has not been out of nowhere. For months the government has been working to try and do away with these, but only recently being able to. Just like most ICE agents and representatives, the US Attorney General Pam Bondi has issued her claims through a statement saying “ICEBlock is designed to put ICE agents at risk just for doing their jobs, and violence against law enforcement is an intolerable red line that cannot be crossed.” On the other hand, the developers are issuing their own complaints due to the banning of the apps they made just like the issues brought up by Joshua while stating “ICEBlock is no different from crowdsourcing speed traps, which every notable mapping application, including Apple’s own Maps app, implements as part of its core services.”
Apple's involvement and willingness with the taking down of these apps is not to very much surprise, mainly due to the issues they have been going through with the president and the tariffs he has threatened them with due to their large amount of overseas manufacturing. For now, it is unknown what will happen with these apps and if they will come back.
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Photo credit: Alamy
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TikTok deal and Trump's involvement
Written by Jake Bunker
In the past several years, the issues related to TikTok have been widely discussed the issues that the app could offer pertaining to privacy and social security. The app has received many different bans and complaints from not only upset users but also from the government. Many states in the past several years, like Montana, have also issued statewide bans on the use of the app. This is due largely to the fact that many people think that the app is a source for information to be leaked to the Chinese government and many are upset by this.
Credit: Virginia tech news
The deal so far is that the parent company, ByteDance, must sell 80% of all its American assets to non-Chinese investors or face a full ban on the app. ByteDance also has to do the same to its other major systems, like Lemon8, and Capcut. However, Trump has been delaying the finalization of the deal for a while now, and a representative in the White House said this past week that Trump has also extended the deal's pause until mid-December, meaning that the transferring of TikTok's assets might not even happen until next year sometime. The deal was meant to be finalized by January. However, Trump has delayed it three times already.
A large portion of the US TikTok deal was going to go to Oracle, with them gaining control of the systems algorithm and overseeing the apps' privacy and data issues. However, the ByteDance company and the Chinese government have made a deal to licence the algorithm to a new joint venture with the US, with vice president JD Vance, who is overseeing the deal's transition, saying at an executive signing on Thursday that “The new US-based joint venture will be valued around $14 billion.” Even with the deal seeming to be coming to an agreement there are still many issues that the millions of Americans who use the app are still concerned about.
A large portion of the US TikTok deal was going to go to Oracle, with them gaining control of the systems algorithm and overseeing the apps' privacy and data issues. However, the ByteDance company and the Chinese government have made a deal to licence the algorithm to a new joint venture with the US, with vice president JD Vance, who is overseeing the deal's transition, saying at an executive signing on Thursday that “The new US-based joint venture will be valued around $14 billion.” Even with the deal seeming to be coming to an agreement there are still many issues that the millions of Americans who use the app are still concerned about.
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Credit: Ohio University
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