Tech News Briefing

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. Hosted by Zoe Thomas

RECENT EPISODES

5/23/2023 3:00:00 AM

How an Antiabortion Group Used Cellphone Data to Send Targeted Ads

Until last year, an antiabortion group was using location data gathered from cellphones to send people who visited Planned Parenthood targeted advertising. WSJ reporter Byron Tau joins host Zoe Thomas to explain how the group got the information, the legality of these steps, and more about the group behind the effort.

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5/22/2023 3:00:00 AM

It’s Gamers vs. Government in Hunt for Classified U.S. Documents

A global scavenger hunt for classified documents is underway and it's pitting the U.S. government against online gamers. WSJ national security reporter Jessica Donati joins host Zoe Thomas to explain how the race to find secret military information began.

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5/19/2023 3:00:00 AM

The Executive Keeping Tesla Rolling Isn’t Elon Musk

Tesla’s CFO Zach Kirkhorn has a reputation for working quietly behind the scenes to execute Elon Musk’s vision for the electric carmaker. But as Musk’s attention gets pulled in several different directions, investors are focusing more on Kirkhorn and how he’s helping run the company. WSJ Tesla reporter Rebecca Elliott joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. 


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5/18/2023 3:00:00 AM

TikTok Still Fills Teens' Feeds With Dark Content

Montana’s Governor signed the county’s first statewide ban of TikTok on Tuesday. And calls are growing to ban the app nationwide. But a bigger worry for parents may be the dark content the app serves up to teens. TikTok says it has a content-moderation team of more than 40,000 people and removes posts that violate its community guidelines. However, a recent study shows teen users are still being shown a stream of content on self-harm, eating disorders, and suicide. WSJ family and tech columnist Julie Jargon joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. 


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5/17/2023 3:00:00 AM

OpenAI Boss Calls for AI Safety Standards at Senate Hearing

 Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI the company behind ChatGPT, told lawmakers they should create licensing and safety standards for advanced artificial intelligence systems . But Congress has historically had a tough time when it comes to regulating technology. WSJ tech policy reporter Ryan Tracy joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what happened during the Senate subcommittee hearing. 


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5/16/2023 3:00:00 AM

Elon Musk Is Running Twitter Like SpaceX. Will It Work?

Elon Musk is trying to run his social media company, Twitter, like his rocket company, SpaceX. WSJ aerospace reporter Micah Maidenberg joins host Zoe Thomas to explain the leadership structure and management choices at both operations. Plus, tech reporter Sarah Needleman discusses what the EU approval of Microsoft's plan to buy Activision Blizzard means for the deal.

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5/15/2023 3:00:00 AM

Apple Takes New Approach With Mixed-Reality Headset

Elon Musk has named a new CEO to replace him at Twitter. WSJ reporter Alexa Corse joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why he chose an advertising exec. Plus, WSJ reporter Aaron Tilley explains why Apple is breaking its own rules for product debuts with the launch of a new headset.

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5/12/2023 3:00:00 AM

Social-Media Shopping Scams Target Young People

A growing number of young people are being hit by online shopping scams that originated on social media. WSJ family and tech columnist Julie Jargon joins host Zoe Thomas to explain what victims have gone through and how to protect yourself. Plus, WSJ gaming reporter Sarah Needleman explains why designing for avatars may be the next style trend.

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5/11/2023 3:00:00 AM

Google Takes On Rivals in AI and Foldable Devices

Google is making a show of force to its rivals in the hardware and artificial-intelligence sectors. At its developer conference, the company unveiled its new AI search feature and announced plans for other AI tools. WSJ Google reporter Miles Kruppa breaks down the announcements, and WSJ personal tech columnist Nicole Nguyen discusses Google’s new Pixel Fold. Zoe Thomas hosts.

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5/10/2023 3:00:00 AM

Virgin Galactic Struggles to Launch Its Space Tourism Business

Billionaire Richard Branson founded Virgin Galactic nearly two decades ago. But despite sending him to the edge of space and selling tickets to would-be space tourists, the company has struggled to launch its commercial space flights. Now it says it's ready to do so. WSJ aerospace reporter Micah Maidenberg joins host Zoe Thomas to explain what’s behind the delay.

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HOSTED BY

Host and Producer, WSJ Tech News Briefing, The Wall Street Journal

Zoe Thomas is the host of Tech News Briefing. Before joining The Wall Street Journal, she was a producer and reporter for BBC News. Zoe has covered business, economics and technology stories across North and South America and Asia. She has been based out of bureaus in San Francisco, Mumbai and her hometown of New York. When not at work, you can often find her searching for new culinary delights or food trends to test out.

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