Australia has banned DeepSeek AI services from all government systems and devices, becoming one of the first countries to take direct action against a Chinese artificial intelligence startup that shook Silicon Valley and global markets this year.

Australia has banned DeepSeek from all government devices on the advice of security agencies, a top official said Wednesday, citing privacy and malware risks posed by China's breakout AI program. TikTok was banned from government devices in 2023 on the advice of Australian intelligence agencies.

Deadly floodwaters triggered by record rainfall in Australia’s northeast rose for a third day Monday as authorities warned flood-stricken communities to brace themselves for further destruction.

Australian authorities warned that a major flood risk will persist in the northeastern state of Queensland despite torrential rain easing on Monday (February 3).

Emergency alerts have been issued for multiple areas in and around Townsville, with floodwaters rising for the past three days.