WSJ Tech News Briefing
Tech News Briefing is your guide to what people in tech are talking about. Every weekday, we’ll bring you breaking tech news and scoops from the pros at the Wall Street Journal, insight into new innovations and policy debates, tips from our personal tech team, and exclusive interviews with movers and shakers in the industry.
Tech News Briefing is your guide to what people in tech are talking about. Every weekday, we’ll bring you breaking tech news and scoops from the pros at the Wall Street Journal, insight into new innovations and policy debates, tips from our personal tech team, and exclusive interviews with movers and shakers in the industry.
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Tesla's 'Self Driving' Update Sets Up Clash With Safety Officials
The new head of the National Transportation Safety Board says Tesla should slow its plans to release updated driver-assistance features and be clearer with drivers about what the software is capable of. Reporter Rebecca Elliot joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why self-driving technology is so important to Tesla and how safety officials' concerns might play out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
22 Sep 2021
14 MINS
14:25
22 Sep 2021
You've Got Apple Questions. We've Got Answers.
Wondering if you should upgrade your Apple devices? Curious about Apple's privacy updates? WSJ personal tech columnist Nicole Nguyen joins host Zoe Thomas to answer listener questions about Apple's new devices and what's next for the company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
21 Sep 2021
14 MINS
14:38
21 Sep 2021
How Facebook Users Undermined Zuckerberg's Covid Vaccine Goals
Mark Zuckerberg wanted Facebook to support accurate information about Covid-19 and vaccines. But misinformation about the pandemic continues to circulate on the platform. Reporter Sam Schechner joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why Facebook's CEO struggled to meet his goal, and the warnings employees gave about the company's efforts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
20 Sep 2021
13 MINS
13:53
20 Sep 2021
When Facebook's Staff Flagged Criminal Content, Its Response Was Weak
Facebook employees have raised alarms about drug cartels, human traffickers and violent militias using the platform to recruit in developing countries. But the social-media giant's response often doesn't go far enough to stop dangerous posts on its platforms. Reporter Justin Scheck joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why the company struggles to handle this content and the catastrophic effects it can have in these places. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
17 Sep 2021
15 MINS
15:28
17 Sep 2021
Zuckerberg Resisted Fixes for Facebook's Divisive Algorithm
Facebook says its platform is designed to create meaningful interaction. But a Wall Street Journal investigation finds changes the company made to its algorithm led to increased hostility on the platform, and CEO Mark Zuckerberg resisted some proposed fixes. Reporter Keach Hagey joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the hidden reasons behind Facebook's decision and the unintended consequences for users. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
16 Sep 2021
15 MINS
15:52
16 Sep 2021
Facebook Downplayed Instagram's Harm to Some Teens
A Wall Street Journal investigation shows that Facebook's internal research found that its Instagram service is harmful for many young users, especially teenage girls, and can lead to anxiety, depression and risk of suicide. Yet in public, Facebook has consistently played down the app's negative effects on teens. Reporter Georgia Wells joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the latest installment of the WSJ's investigative series "The Facebook Files." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
15 Sep 2021
14 MINS
14:59
15 Sep 2021
Facebook's Secret Rules for Elite Users
Facebook says the rules on its platforms apply to all users, but a Wall Street Journal investigation finds a large group of select users gets special treatment. Reporter Justin Scheck joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the first story in the WSJ's investigative series "The Facebook Files," including why Facebook created a list of elite users, the preferential treatment they can receive and how the system can be abused. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14 Sep 2021
14 MINS
14:28
14 Sep 2021
Are Amazon's Algorithm Bosses Coming to Your Workplace Next?
Amazon's use of robots and worker-monitoring technology is a key part of its management strategy. WSJ tech columnist Christopher Mims joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what he calls "Bezosism," what it means for workers and why it might spread to other companies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13 Sep 2021
15 MINS
15:12
13 Sep 2021
How 9/11 Changed Data Privacy
Twenty years after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, we look back at how that moment opened the door to mass data collection. Host Zoe Thomas speaks with reporter Byron Tau and former U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold about the role private tech companies have played and how Americans view data privacy today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10 Sep 2021
16 MINS
16:03
10 Sep 2021
Sex, Drugs and TikTok: What the Viral Video App Shows Minors
A Wall Street Journal investigation has found TikTok's powerful algorithm can drive young users toward content featuring sex and drug use. Investigative reporter Rob Barry joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how minors can slip into watching extreme content on the platform and what TikTok says it plans to do about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
09 Sep 2021
13 MINS
13:32
09 Sep 2021
Could Health Tech Put the Annual Checkup on Life Support?
Virtual checkups have become more common during the pandemic, but new ways of gathering health data remotely could make in-person doctor visits a thing of the past. WSJ contributor Ron Winslow joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the new technology and the potential drawbacks of losing the human connection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
08 Sep 2021
13 MINS
13:05
08 Sep 2021
El Salvador's Bitcoin Bet
On Tuesday, El Salvador is set to become the first country to make bitcoin an official currency. The move was applauded by global crypto fans but also was met with concerns from citizens there. The Wall Street Journal's deputy editor for Latin America, Santiago Perez, joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how the bitcoin rollout will work and the pitfalls the country could face. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
07 Sep 2021
12 MINS
12:46
07 Sep 2021
Apple's Ambitious Plans for Health Tracking Rest on Its Smartwatch
Apple has said its health tech will be the company's most important contribution to the world, and now it is working on a slew of new features for its smartwatch that will track various health metrics. Reporter Rolfe Winkler joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss Apple's plans and why some of its ambitions might have a hard time fitting on your wrist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
03 Sep 2021
14 MINS
14:01
03 Sep 2021
China Bans Videogames on School Nights
China is enacting new rules limiting how much time young videogamers can play online. The WSJ's deputy China bureau chief Josh Chin joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what the rules could mean for players and gaming companies, and what Beijing hopes to achieve. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
02 Sep 2021
13 MINS
13:25
02 Sep 2021
Opendoor, Zillow and Redfin Bank On Flipping Houses Virtually
More real-estate tech companies are buying and selling houses virtually, using data and images to quickly flip properties. Heard on the Street tech columnist Laura Forman joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how these businesses are hoping to capitalize on pandemic-driven demand to cement their place in the real-estate market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
01 Sep 2021
12 MINS
12:43
01 Sep 2021
How the 'Right To Repair' Could Expand Choices and Lower Costs
If you break one of your electronic devices, your options for fixing it can be limited. But new "Right to Repair" measures being debated in Washington and statehouses around the country aim to change that. Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
31 Aug 2021
13 MINS
13:36
31 Aug 2021
What Is the Metaverse and Why Does Big Tech Want You to Live In It?
Big tech companies have been investing tons of resources into a concept called "the metaverse." Heard on the Street columnist Dan Gallagher joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain what the new big tech craze is, and what it could mean for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
30 Aug 2021
13 MINS
13:54
30 Aug 2021
NFT Art Presents New Frontier for Fraudsters
When NFTs, or nonfungible tokens, started taking off early this year, they were heralded by many in the art world as a way for creators to make money from their digital art. But as the emerging market has exploded, so have scams. Reporter Kelly Crow joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain. Christopher Zinsli is our supervising producer. Kateri Jochum is the executive producer of WSJ podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
27 Aug 2021
14 MINS
14:05
27 Aug 2021
OnlyFans Backpedals on Plan to Ban Sex Videos
Last week, the social-media company OnlyFans said it would ban sexually explicit content on its platform. The move sparked a backlash, since the site is well-known for adult content. But now, the company says it's reversing course. Reporter Georgia Wells joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain what led up to the decision, and what it could mean for the burgeoning creator economy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
26 Aug 2021
14 MINS
14:32
26 Aug 2021
Hollywood Battles Digital Piracy in the Streaming Era
A new focus on digital releases to streaming services has made it easier for Hollywood studios to reach customers during the pandemic. But it's also led to a rise in higher-quality, faster piracy. Reporter R.T. Watson joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
25 Aug 2021
12 MINS
12:13
25 Aug 2021