Tech News Briefing
RECENT EPISODES
Social Media's Role in Protests
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 to explain the role of social media in recent protests over the death of George Floyd, as well as some of the historical precedent. Kateri Jochum hosts.
Tech Task Force to Combat Covid-19 Stumbles
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 solutions. But after challenges like a leadership change and concerns over privacy, many of their most ambitious plans have failed to materialize. Our deputy tech editor Brad Reagan joins us to explain what's going on. Kateri Jochum hosts.
Trump Signs Executive Order Targeting Social Media
President Trump signed an executive order on Thursday that seeks to limit legal protections for social media companies. The action comes after Twitter labeled two of the president's tweets about mail-in voting. Our reporter Deepa Seetharaman joins us to break down what's in the order and how it relates to a larger debate about free speech online. Kateri Jochum hosts. Amanda Lewellyn is our producer.
Facebook Officials Shut Down Attempts to Make it Less Divisive
Americans' views on fundamental issues have been drifting apart for decades, but many believe that social media companies are widening the gap. After these concerns reached a fever pitch during the 2016 U.S. election, Facebook took a look at itself to see if it contributed to divisiveness. Turns out - it did. But as our reporter Jeffrey Horwitz explains, executives at Facebook dialed back efforts to fix the problem. Kateri Jochum hosts. Correction: An earlier version of this podcast mischaracterized Facebook executives as having not taken steps to address polarization. The podcast details the steps they took and we have removed that mischaracterization.
SpaceX to Send Astronauts to the ISS
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 the first private entity to send humans to the International Space Station. Our reporter Andy Pasztor joins us to explain why this could be one small step for man - and a giant leap for commercial space travel. Kateri Jochum hosts.
Why Big Tech is Still Growing
The most significant economic downturn in recent history has forced many companies to lay off thousands of workers, and cut back on new investments. But tech companies still have the resources to grow - and to invest in R&D. Our tech columnist Christopher Mims explains why that is. Kateri Jochum hosts.
What Getting Hired in Silicon Valley Looks Like Now
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 joins us to explain what it's like to look for a job in Silicon Valley right now - and what that could mean for tech in the long run. Plus: Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern joins with her work from home tech tip of the week. Kateri Jochum hosts. Amanda Lewellyn is our producer.
Facebook Sets Its Sights on E-Commerce - and India
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 Purnell joins us to explain how they're doing it. And: have a work-from-home tech question for Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern, or want to share your own experience? Leave her a message at ‪(314) 635-0388‬ or email her at joanna.stern@wsj.com. You may be featured on one of our podcasts. Kateri Jochum hosts.
Europe's Debate Over Contact Tracing
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 reporter David Uberti will break down the debate. And: have a work-from-home tech question for Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern, or want to share your own experience? Leave her a message at ‪(314) 635-0388‬ or email her at joanna.stern@wsj.com. You may be featured on one of our podcasts. Kateri Jochum hosts.
SoftBank Posts Its Worst Results Ever
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 SoftBank's future - and the future of tech as a whole. By the way: have a work-from-home tech question for Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern, or want to share your own experience? Leave her a message at ‪(314) 635-0388‬ or email her at joanna.stern@wsj.com. You may be featured on one of our podcasts. Kateri Jochum hosts.