News highlights for 14 May

REUTERS/Issei Kato/File Photo
Labour shortage pushing midsized Japanese companies to buy robots
TOKYO (Reuters) – Desperate to overcome Japan’s growing shortage of labor, mid-sized companies are planning to buy robots and other equipment to automate a wide range of tasks, including manufacturing, earthmoving and hotel room service. Read more…
Australia and New Zealand largely unscathed by WannaCry attack
SYDNEY (Reuters) – Australia and New Zealand appeared to have escaped largely unscathed as they woke up for their first business day since a massive ransomware worm hit thousands of computer systems around the world, disrupting operations at hospitals, shops and schools. Read more…
Australia decides Bitcoin is money, but is that right?
Last week, Australia reversed a long standing policy and recognized Bitcoin as money, thereby ending years of double taxation on transactions using the cryptocurrency. But the move comes at a time where the rise of the price of Bitcoin transaction fees means that perhaps the cryptocurrency’s role as money should be reexamined. Read more…
Companies may not be insured for WannaCry attack
LONDON/NEW YORK (Reuters) – Many companies outside the United States may not have cover for a recent computer-system attack, leaving them potentially with millions of dollars of losses because there has been relatively little take-up of cyber insurance, insurers say. Read more…
Facebook’s Sandberg wants family friendly policies in companies
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Facebook Inc Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg posted a Mother’s Day appeal on Sunday for federal and corporate policies to benefit working parents, including a minimum wage increase, mandated paid parental leave and affordable childcare. Read more…
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