The week in digital: Copilot on your files, Gemini's free tier and an email deadline
Copilot's local file access, Gemini's free-tier change, Microsoft's EWS deadline, an Atlassian patch, the OAIC's smart-glasses probe and the ATO card delay.
Coming up
Deadlines, price changes and new rules for Australian businesses, soonest first.
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Atlassian's critical file-access flaw needs an urgent check with your IT provider
Atlassian rates CVE-2026-21589 critical. Self-managed installations need urgent attention; Cloud is patched. What to ask your IT provider.
Claude offers startups a free year of Team, with limits
Claude’s expanded startup program includes a free Team year and API credits. Australian founders should check eligibility, expiry and future charges.
OAIC probes HeyCyan and warns smart-glasses retailers
The OAIC is investigating HeyCyan's developer. Retailers should check the app, data handling and supplier answers behind smart glasses they sell.
Google Docs will edit Markdown files without converting them
Google is rolling out native Markdown editing in Docs and previews in Drive. What small teams can try, who gets it and which formatting won't survive.
SPF, DKIM and DMARC explained: the email settings that help your invoices reach the inbox
What SPF, DKIM and DMARC do, what Gmail, Yahoo and Outlook require, what Australia's cyber agency recommends, and how to set them up without breaking email.
Google narrows free Gemini model access from 9 October. Check which account your team uses
Google is changing Gemini model access for personal accounts. Check the timing, Australian plan prices and your team's Workspace access before upgrading.
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ChatGPT vs Copilot vs Gemini: what business plans include in Australia
Compare business AI features, plan types and published prices. What Australian teams should check on currencies, GST, existing subscriptions and usage charges.
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How to protect your Google Business Profile from hijacking and suspension
Who should own your Google listing, how to lock it down, the rules that trigger suspensions, Google's new rule on contact details in posts, and how to appeal.
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How to write an AI use policy for a small team, with a template
What the government's AI policy guide says a policy should cover, how to write a one-page version for your team in an afternoon, and a template to adapt.
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Your turn
Quiz archiveThe weekly quiz
How closely did you follow the week?
Question 1 of 5
What starting price does Microsoft's Australian store list for Surface Laptop Ultra?
Show answer
Answer: B. A$4,399 including GST
Microsoft's Australian store lists Surface Laptop Ultra from A$4,399 including GST, with a 16 October release date. US$2,599 is Microsoft's announced US starting price.
Question 2 of 5
Once Google's changes apply, which Gemini model family stays available to personal accounts without an AI subscription?
Show answer
Answer: A. Flash-Lite
Google's table lists Flash-Lite for personal accounts with no AI subscription. AI Plus adds Flash, and AI Pro and Ultra add Pro.
Question 3 of 5
When does Microsoft's final shutdown of Exchange Web Services (EWS) in Exchange Online start?
Show answer
Answer: D. 1 April 2027
Microsoft says the final EWS shutdown in Exchange Online starts on 1 April 2027, with no extensions. The 10 October change requires an app allow-list for tenants explicitly configured with EWSEnabled=True.
Read the story: Microsoft 365's October email change: check your connected apps
Question 4 of 5
What does Atlassian say Cloud customers must do about the CVE-2026-21589 file-access flaw?
Show answer
Answer: C. Nothing: affected Cloud products are already patched
Atlassian says affected Cloud products are already patched and Cloud customers need take no action. Self-managed installations need the fixed release.
Read the story: Atlassian's critical file-access flaw needs an urgent check with your IT provider
Question 5 of 5
What is Square's Australian Instant Transfer fee from 1 October 2026?
Show answer
Answer: B. 1.95%
Square's Australian Payment Terms raised the Instant Transfer fee from 1.5% to 1.95% from 1 October 2026. It comes on top of card-processing fees, and standard next-day transfers stay free.
Read the story: Square's Australian Instant Transfer fee has risen to 1.95%
A new quiz comes out every Friday with the briefing. Get the Friday briefing by email
Reader poll of the week
Will your workplace let Copilot or another AI assistant read files on staff computers?
Reader polls aren't scientific: they show how readers who chose to vote answered. One vote per reader. Background: Copilot will reach into files on Copilot+ PCs, and Surface Laptop Ultra starts at A$4,399