RDTI, Layoffs and AI Guilt

By the Orchestra editors · 4 min read

TL;DR

Deep tech sector pushes back on Chalmers' proposed RDTI changes that cap refundability at 10-year-old startups
Microsoft cuts 4,800 roles across Xbox and sales, citing shifting tech landscape
One in three Australian workers quietly using AI chatbots, many feeling guilty about it
Anthropic caught secretly tracking Claude users, undermining its own privacy stance

AI · Worldwide

Microsoft cuts 4,800 jobs across Xbox and sales

Microsoft laid off about 4,800 employees (2.1% of its workforce) as its new financial year kicks off, with Xbox and commercial sales hit hardest. It's the latest in a string of cuts stoking concern about AI-driven job displacement.

Anthropic caught secretly tracking Chinese Claude users

Anthropic faces backlash after revelations that a hidden tracker monitored Chinese users of Claude, clashing sharply with the company's public stance against surveillance. An engineer reportedly described it as an "experiment" that has since ended.

UK regulator flags AI risk in consumer finance

Britain's FCA is pushing for greater powers to regulate LLMs like ChatGPT and Claude as millions of consumers lean on them for financial decisions. The review warns of an "arms race" between regulators and fast-moving AI adoption in financial services.

Australian Tech

Deep tech coalition fights RDTI overhaul

Seventeen research groups and accelerators have written to Treasurer Jim Chalmers urging a rethink of proposed R&D Tax Incentive changes that would limit refundability to startups under 10 years old. The coalition warns the changes could kneecap Australia's deep tech pipeline.

One in three Aussie workers secretly using AI chatbots

A new survey finds a third of Australian employees are using AI tools at work, with two in five saying it feels like cheating. The guilt factor highlights a gap between actual AI adoption and formal workplace policies.