THE NEWS WRAP: Labor accuses Tony Abbott of politicising metadata laws

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has expressed his disappointment with the way the Coalition government has politicised the debate surrounding data retention legislation and suggested Labor’s bipartisan support may be withdrawn.

Fairfax reports Shorten has sent a strongly-worded letter to Tony Abbott, urging his government to consider a number of concerns relating to the proposed data retention laws – including cost, press freedom and civil liberties.

The news follows a report on StartupSmart’s sister website Crikey, which revealed Labor was poised to back the government’s mass surveillance scheme.

The proposed legislation would currently require Australian phone and internet companies to store customer data so that intelligence agencies can access it without a warrant.

Just Eat acquires Mexican food delivery startup

Takeaway ordering and delivery startup Just Eat has announced the acquisition of Mexican ordering service SinDelantal in a bid to strengthen its presence in Latin America.

Chief executive of Just Eat, David Buttress, said in a statement the acquisition will secure the startup’s long-term strategy.

“We are delighted to be entering the thriving Mexican market, which offers exciting growth opportunities and strengthens our international portfolio,” he said.

“An increased stake in IF-JE further supports our commitment to building on our strategy to develop market leading positions and offer more consumers the benefits of a great online takeaway experience with JUST EAT.”

Just Eat is operating in 13 counties and in 2013 its revenue grew by 58% to more than $A190 million.

Automated graphic design startup raises $1.1 million

Automated logo design startup Tailor Brands has raised $US1.1 million ($A1.4m) in seed funding in a bid to scale its business.

TechCrunch reports the funding round was led by Disruptive Ventures and various angel investors.

The startup aims to help businesses create logos and other branded items quickly and easily by using algorithms and a series of questions instead of hiring a graphic designer.

Tailor Brands is operating in 35 countries following its launch last year.

Overnight

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is up 0.26%, rising 46.97 points to 18,019.35. The Australian dollar is currently trading at 77.75 US cents.

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