WSJ Tech News Briefing

How Governments Are Using Cellphone Data for Surveillance

20 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you've shared your location with an app, you probably know that advertisers then sell that data to other marketers. But you might not know that the...

Russia Blamed for Cyberattacks on Coronavirus Vaccine Researchers

17 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Hackers have been targeting the research institutions working on treatments and vaccines for the novel coronavirus. Now some officials in the U.S. and...

In Search, Google Pushes YouTube Over Rivals

16 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When you search Google for video content, the first results often direct you to YouTube. That's not a coincidence. The Journal reports that Google has...

Why the U.K. Reversed Course on Huawei

15 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Amid tensions between China and the West, the U.K. says it is banning Chinese telecom company Huawei from its 5G networks. That's a reversal for the B...

Why Tech Stocks Are (Still) Rallying

14 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Even amidst the pandemic, tech stocks have been on an upswing. Our reporter Michael Wursthorn explains what's happening-and why analysts say the tear ...

How Hollywood is Bringing Tech Into the Creative Process

13 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

There's a lot to watch, and Hollywood knows it. That's why some studios are using tech to ensure they're making content that you want to see. Our tech...

How Chicago's Broadband Plan Works to Close the Digital Divide

10 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As schools prepare for the fall, online education is looking like a good option for socially distanced learning. But not everyone has access to the in...

Why TikTok Is Allowing More Political Content

09 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Chinese company TikTok is best known as a place for lighthearted entertainment videos. But as it expands into new markets, the company is permitti...

Tech Companies Weigh Response to Hong Kong National-Security Law

08 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

China has imposed a new national-security law on Hong Kong, requiring authorities there to more closely supervise and control internet speech. Reporte...

Uber Buys Postmates in Play for Food-Delivery Dominance

07 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The food-delivery market is heating up-and cooking down. As the sector's big players look to consolidate, Uber and Postmates have agreed to a $2.6 bil...

What Scientists Uncovered About Earthquakes Using AI

06 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Usually, big earthquakes are the ones that capture our attention. But scientists recently uncovered new details about a mysterious group of tremors-ca...

What You Need to Know Before Buying Apple Products Right Now

02 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Apple has announced a flurry of new products and features - but our Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern says you should wait before you make a...

How Facebook Users Are Targeting Health Officials

01 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Protests against public health officials are ramping up from those who oppose social distancing measures or wearing masks. And Facebook has been a cri...

How eBay Tried to Crush a Blog Critic

30 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A pair of bloggers wrote some negative posts about eBay. Then, they started receiving ominous packages of cockroaches and funeral wreaths. Next, they ...

California City Bans Predictive Policing Software

29 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Many governments are cracking down on policing tactics in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests. Now, a city in California is believed to be the...

White House Considering Broad Intervention to Secure 5G Future

26 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone wants in on the race to next-generation 5G networks. The Chinese telecom giant Huawei is leading the pack. And now, we report that the Trump ...

Why Trump's Campaign is Looking for Alternatives to Facebook, Twitter

25 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The biggest social media platforms have been feeling pressure to moderate political content. In recent weeks, Facebook and Twitter have flagged or rem...

How New Immigration Measures Could Impact Tech

24 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Tech companies are pushing back against the Trump administration's temporary ban on H-1B and other immigrant work visas. Our reporter Asa Fitch will j...

What Wirecard's Downfall Could Mean for Tech Investing

23 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A German fintech company announced last week that it's missing over $2 billion from its balance sheet. On Monday, the board said that money probably n...

Our Guide to Apple's WWDC

22 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference kicks off today - virtually, of course. As usual, it's a chance for Apple to unveil new products and strategy....

Why Hackers Are Targeting Companies You've Never Heard Of

19 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When cybercriminals go after big entities, they make headlines. So they've begun targeting more under-the-radar companies. Our reporter Jenny Strasbur...

DOJ Proposes Limiting Protections for Internet Companies

18 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Justice Department proposed a rollback of some of the rules that have protected tech companies for decades. Our reporter Brent Kendall explains. A...

How Russian Misinformation Groups May Be Adapting Since 2016

17 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A new report gives us insight into how the Russian firm Secondary Infektion has been operating over the past few years. Our reporter Robert McMillan j...

Why Police Could Still Be Using Facial Recognition, Despite Big Exits

16 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Amazon, Microsoft, IBM and others have said they won't sell facial recognition tech to police, and they've called on Congress to introduce national le...

How Political Groups Harvest Data from Protesters

15 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

For years, companies have used location data to market specific products and messages to individuals. Now, political groups are adopting the strategy....

Developer Conferences, Minus the Developers

12 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Normally, major tech companies launch new products and services at developer conferences - but the pandemic has made that near-impossible. Our Heard o...

Rivals Step Up to Take on Amazon Amid Pandemic

11 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Shutdowns around the world mean more shoppers are taking their carts digital. As even the biggest companies like Amazon and Walmart struggle to keep u...

China's Tencent Holdings to Build a City

10 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Tencent Holdings - one of the world's most valuable tech companies - is known for its social media, videogame, and other Internet ventures. Now: it's ...

Kids Sneaking Online During the Pandemic

09 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Breaking rules is part of being a kid. Unfortunately for parents, that extends to screen time limits, too. Our Family Tech Columnist Julie Jargon join...

Why You've Been "Doomscrolling"

08 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

There's a reason you've been spending more time than usual scrolling through bad news lately. It has a lot to do with your fight-or-flight response. O...

Microsoft Battles for Your Work Computer

05 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

During the pandemic, workplace communications companies have seen years' worth of progress in the space of months. Meaning the fight for market share ...

Working in Tech While Black

04 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Since the killing of George Floyd last week, the nation has been reckoning with its racial divisions and history again. Microsoft is among several tec...

Special Edition: IG Founder Kevin Systrom at WSJ Tech Health

03 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Wall Street Journal held its second annual gathering on health technology yesterday, bringing executives and experts together online for interacti...

Social Media's Role in Protests

02 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

For about as long as platforms like Twitter have existed, demonstrators and police have used them as a tool. Our reporter Sarah E. Needleman joins us ...

Tech Task Force to Combat Covid-19 Stumbles

01 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When the pandemic hit the U.S., tech leaders rounded up innovators and policymakers, from big investors to the White House, to try and come up with so...

Trump Signs Executive Order Targeting Social Media

29 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

President Trump signed an executive order on Thursday that seeks to limit legal protections for social media companies. The action comes after Twitter...

Facebook Officials Shut Down Attempts to Make it Less Divisive

28 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Americans' views on fundamental issues have been drifting apart for decades, but many believe that social media companies are widening the gap. After ...

SpaceX to Send Astronauts to the ISS

27 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Between Tesla and a new baby, you might've forgotten that Elon Musk is also working on space travel. Today, his company SpaceX is scheduled to become ...

Why Big Tech is Still Growing

26 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The most significant economic downturn in recent history has forced many companies to lay off thousands of workers, and cut back on new investments. B...

What Getting Hired in Silicon Valley Looks Like Now

22 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Thousands of tech workers have been laid off in recent days, and some executives have said those positions are gone for good. Our reporter Asa Fitch j...

Facebook Sets Its Sights on E-Commerce - and India

21 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With hundreds of millions of people not yet online, India represents a huge opportunity for Facebook as it pushes into e-commerce. Our reporter Newley...

Europe's Debate Over Contact Tracing

20 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Researchers around the world try to use tech to keep coronavirus outbreaks in check. In Europe, they're running into the issue of privacy. Our reporte...

SoftBank Posts Its Worst Results Ever

19 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

SoftBank has reported its worst fiscal-year results in history. Our tech reporter Rolfe Winkler joins us to explain what those results could mean for ...

Google Heeds Phony Copyright Claims, Hides News

18 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Like other tech giants, Google is required to remove content that violates copyright laws. But we report exclusively that Google has removed thousands...

A.I. Cameras to Monitor Social Distancing in the Office

15 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As parts of the world begin to reopen, some employers are using artificial intelligence to monitor social distancing at work. Our reporter Parmy Olson...

Chinese, Iranian Hackers Targeting U.S. Coronavirus Researchers

14 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

U.S. officials say hackers have been targeting the universities and pharmaceutical companies working on treatments and vaccines for the coronavirus. O...

States Turn to Amazon, Others to Update I.T.

13 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Millions of people have tried to file for unemployment - or just get in touch with their government - since the pandemic began. Because of outdated I....

Tesla Defies Local Orders, Restarts Production

12 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced on Monday that Tesla is restarting production - in spite of local shutdown orders. This comes just days after Tesla file...

Trump Administration, Chipmakers Push for Self-Sufficiency

11 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Semiconductor chips power just about everything that's electric, but a majority of them are made in Asia. Our reporter Asa Fitch joins us to explain h...

Automate Your Emails and Digitize Your To-Do Lists

08 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It's Friday, which means our Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern is back with her work-from-home tech tips of the week. Today: how to save you...

Lyft Earnings Show the Pandemic's Impact on the Gig Economy

07 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Lyft reported its earnings on Wednesday, and Uber will report today. The rideshare companies' earnings are expected to provide a first look at the eco...

Our Guide to Grocery Delivery Services

06 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Going to the grocery story is now more tedious - and dangerous - than ever before, and many people are opting to stay home and have their carts delive...

L.C.D Turns 50 in the Year of Screens

05 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It's been 50 years since liquid crystal displays were first invented - and their history underscores the importance of publicly-funded research and de...

A Month In, How's Quibi Doing?

04 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Quibi is the latest entrant in the streaming wars, offering quick, highly-produced videos for all your in-between moments. But a month in, the service...

Joanna Stern's Tech Tips of the Week

01 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Our Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern is back. This time, we're discussing the merits of a stand for your phone and how to fix that stutteri...

Facebook Reports Earnings Amid Push to Refresh

30 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Facebook's first quarter earnings come as the company tries to reposition itself after years of scandals and controversy. Our reporter Deepa Seetharam...

Airbnb's Broad Ripple Effect

29 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

People all over the world have cancelled travel plans because of the pandemic, and Airbnb hosts have taken more than a billion-dollar hit. Our reporte...

How to Combat That Ballooning Screen Time Report

28 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As we spend more time at home, you might be relying more on screens to keep your kids (or yourself) occupied. Our Family Tech Columnist Julie Jargon w...

Delivery Robots Could Keep Workers Safer

27 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

During a pandemic, delivering food and supplies is more dangerous than ever. Our tech columnist Christopher Mims joins to tell us about the robots ste...

Amazon Used Data from Sellers to Launch Competitive Products

24 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As a retailer, Amazon sells brand name products as well as some of its own products. But it's also a marketplace, meaning it allows third parties to s...

Coronavirus Generates Push for Broadband Infrastructure Upgrade

23 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With the majority of the country abiding by stay-at-home orders, many people are trying to find ways to shift their lives online. But the digital divi...

On Facebook, Coronavirus Misinformation Shared By 'Superspreaders'

22 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A watchdog has found that misinformation about the coronavirus has been spreading online through so-called "superspreaders". Our reporter Lukas I. Alp...

What to Look for in Netflix's Earnings Report

21 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Netflix is posting its first-quarter earnings today. Investors are expecting the results to be an indicator of whether big tech companies will be able...

How A.I. is Filling in Coronavirus Testing Gaps

20 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Without data, governments are struggling to figure out how to plan for the future. Now, some are working with A-I to try and fill in the gaps. Our Dig...

How to Zoomify Your Hangout and Other WFH Tech Tips

17 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Thursday was our team's 5-week anniversary of working from home. But we're still running into tech troubles. We're willing to bet you are, too. So we ...

Apple Launches New iPhone SE

16 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Apple has unveiled a new, low-cost model of its signature product - via press release. Our reporter Tripp Mickle breaks down what you should know. Hav...

Public-Sector Tech Struggles to Handle Traffic in Pandemic

15 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As millions of people across the country attempt to access public services online, state and local I.T. databases are being put to the test. Our repor...

Big Tech is Still Hiring

14 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

While most businesses around the world are slashing their expenses, including payroll, some of the U.S.'s biggest tech companies are hiring. Our repor...

Health Professionals Begin 3-D Printing Supplies

13 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

While test kits and masks are in short supply, researchers have come up with a stopgap solution: 3-D printing them. Our reporter Sara Castellanos will...

How to Shop Online During the Pandemic

10 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Amazon prioritizing shipment of essential products, your coffee maker or jigsaw puzzle could take weeks to arrive. Our Personal Tech Columnist Ni...

Quibi Launches New Mobile Streaming Service

09 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

There is - yet another - new streaming service in town. Our reporter Benjamin Mullin joins us to tell us about Quibi, which launched earlier this week...

The Robots Cleaning Where Humans Can't

08 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Some hospitals are turning to technology to disinfect rooms during the pandemic, protecting health workers and cleaning staff from coming into unneces...

Washington State OKs Facial Recognition Law Backed by Microsoft

07 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Governor Jay Inslee signed regulations around facial recognition policy into Washington state law. It's expected to be a blueprint for laws all over t...

Google Offers Location Data to Health Officials Fighting Pandemic

06 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Google has announced a new initiative to help governments use location data to figure out if social distancing policies are working. Our reporter Rob ...

Tech News Briefing's Guide to Zoom

03 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you're about to join your next Zoom meeting, this episode of Tech News Briefing is for you. Our new Personal Tech Columnist Nicole Nguyen joins us ...

Restaurants Rethink Delivery During Coronavirus Lockdowns

02 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Food-delivery companies can take up to 30 percent in commissions from orders on their platforms. For smaller restaurants restricted to takeout-only be...

Doctors Use Tele-ICU Tech for Coronavirus Patients

01 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

To deal with a shortage of beds and staff, some hospitals are turning to video-conferencing tools to care for patients. Our tech columnist Chris Mims ...

The Cybersecurity Fallout from Coronavirus

31 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As millions of Americans transitioned to working from home, the strain on computer networks created vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Our cybe...

MIT Researchers Launch Tech-Based Contact Tracing

30 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

To stop the spread of the coronavirus, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are now trying to use location-tracking technology to ...

Your Favorite Celebrity is Going Live on Instagram

27 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As the coronavirus pandemic forces cancellations of concerts and other performances, celebrities are turning to livestreams to connect with fans. Repo...

Silicon Valley Tries Disrupting Coronavirus Response

26 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

At tech companies, moving fast and breaking things is the name of the game. Responding to the coronavirus is no exception. Our reporter Asa Fitch join...

Digital Payments Soar Amid Coronavirus Restrictions

25 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As more communities are shut down due to the pandemic, consumers are turning to online retailers to shop. But can digital payment companies handle the...

Apps, Websites and Games for Stir-Crazy Families

24 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If your family is tired of being cooped up inside - don't worry. Our Family and Tech Columnist Julie Jargon joins us with a roundup of some of the bes...

How to Avoid Coronavirus Misinformation Online

23 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Misleading information about the coronavirus has been spreading through texts and emails, and on the internet, and it can be hard to know what's true ...

Dating in the Age of Social Distancing

20 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Guidelines to keep 6 to 10 feet away from others will help flatten the curve - but it's also making in-person dating pretty difficult. Our reporter Ge...

To Track Covid-19, U.S. Governments Weigh Surveillance Tools

19 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We've reported on the tech that countries in Asia used to track the coronavirus: fever-detecting goggles, disinfecting drones, and location-tracking t...

During Coronavirus, Can Food Delivery - Well, Deliver?

18 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ordering in might be part of your "social distancing" routine. So it might seem like the Uber Eats, GrubHubs, and Seamlesses of the world would be big...

Working From Home: Coronavirus Edition

17 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Silicon Valley's major tech companies were the first U.S. employers to take their operations online because of the coronavirus. As the rest of the cou...

New Federal Rules Ease Access to Your Health Data

16 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The federal government has introduced new rules that will make it easier for tech companies to access health data. Reporter Melanie Evans joins us to ...

Countries Use Tech to Fight Coronavirus

13 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In China, South Korea, Australia, and other countries in the South Pacific, some countries have turned to technology to track the coronavirus. Our Kor...

The Technology Powering the 2020 Census

12 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The census starts today, and for the first time, respondents will have the option to respond online. Wall Street Journal news editor Janet Adamy tells...

Tech Companies Working to Head Off Facial Recognition Bans

11 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

There have been calls for more regulation of facial recognition software, from both privacy advocates and the tech companies themselves. Reporter Ryan...

Coronavirus Closures Spotlight Tech Disparities in Schools

10 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Schools across the country are closing their doors due to concerns over the coronavirus. Our Family and Tech Columnist Julie Jargon will join us to ex...

Some Tech Companies Work to Lure Talent Inland

09 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In the US, tech-industry talent has long been clustered in a handful of cities on the coasts. Our reporter Shayndi Raice joins us to explain how some ...

Amazon Works to Remove Price Gouging

06 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As fears of the coronavirus grow, prices of basic products like hand sanitizer are skyrocketing. Our reporter Sharon Terlep joins us to explain. Plus,...

Lawmakers Push for Info on Google's 'Project Nightingale'

05 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In November, The Wall Street Journal uncovered Google's 'Project Nightingale', the company's secret partnership with healthcare giant Ascension. Now, ...

Coronavirus Misinformation Circulating Online

04 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

False information about the coronavirus has been circulating online, despite big tech companies' attempts to stamp it out. Our reporter Sebastian Herr...

Coronavirus Tests Apple's Dependence on China

03 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Quarantines, tariffs and slumping sales are raising fresh questions about Apple's China-heavy manufacturing strategy. Reporter Tripp Mickle joins us t...

With Coronavirus, A.I. May Have Met Its Match

02 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As the coronavirus continues to spread, people are calling on the makers of AI powered chatbots to add symptoms of the virus to their algorithms. Our ...

Google Plots Course to the Cloud

28 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Google has been making changes to try and deliver growth in its cloud computing business - where it currently has only four percent of the total marke...