Tech Stream

April Fool

1 April 2009

The online April Fool jokes are flowing thick and fast this morning.  And since those of us “Down Under” are ahead of the rest of the world, we’re getting them first.  But unlike some countries, Australia’s pranks end at noon.  So if you are planning one of your own time has almost run out.

Of course the best April Fool pranks are those that could almost be true.  For example, Gamespot are reporting that a new Rockband game for Australia is going to be released which features tunes from iconic country star Slim Dusty and pre-school favourites The Wiggles.  I somehow doubt it.  Another, possibly brand initiated prank, on the Australian IT site features new GPS technology fitted into footballs, enabling sports fans to track the ball online with Google maps.  Hmm, I smell a rat.

There’s also a few pranks that involve the proposed internet filtering scheme in Australia.  ZDNet report that the controversial plan has been scrapped in favour of a “whitelist” of banned sites voted on by TV viewers.  Broadband website Whirlpool have reported that Stephen Conroy, Australia’s communications minister has been sacked and ITWire also have a great story which suggests Australians will have to register and pay a licence fee to access the internet from June this year.

But in more serious news everyone is getting a little nervous about whether the Conficker virus will be an April 1st hoax or not. IT journalist Patrick Gray examines its roots in an interesting opinion piece on ABC News Online today.  PM on ABC radio also covered the Conficker virus last night.

Feel free to share any interesting hoaxes you come across today in other parts of the world.  ABC News online has few more famous April Fools jokes for your enjoyment too.