WSJ Tech News Briefing

Deb Liu, CEO of genealogy company Ancestry.com, discusses the challenges women face rising in the tech industry, ways to get ahead and the sometimes difficult revelations brought by her company’s DNA testing. She spoke with WSJ live journalism news editor Ellie Austin at The Wall Street Journal’s recent Women In: The Tech Industry event. Zoe Thomas hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Senate Judiciary Committee is meeting on Thursday to discuss two bills that could rein in the power of big tech, and both the tech giants and their detractors are spending big to lobby for or against them. WSJ reporter Brody Mullins joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what is in the bills and how the lobbying efforts are playing out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Microsoft said it plans to acquire Activision Blizzard, the publisher of games such as World of Warcraft and Candy Crush. Since last year, Activision has been rocked by accusations that its workplace culture led to gender discrimination and sexual harassment. WSJ tech reporter Sarah Needleman joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why Microsoft is interested in Activision and what the deal could mean for consolidation and cultural issues in the gaming industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

China cracked down on its biggest tech companies last year, but that didn't stop investors from pouring record amounts of funding into the nation’s tech sector. Tech reporter Liza Lin joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss which kinds of startups benefited the most, and what it tells us about Beijing’s long-term goals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The highest-earning TikTok star made more last year than the average CEO of an S&P 500 company. WSJ reporter Joseph Pisani joins host Julie Chang to explain how those influencers are raking in the bucks and how big brands are looking to incorporate them into their business strategies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The must-have social network for teens is… iMessage? Apple has created an ecosystem on its iPhone that attracts more than 70% of young smartphone users in the U.S. WSJ reporter Tim Higgins joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss Apple’s strategy in reaching this point, and why competitors and lawmakers aren’t too happy about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Big tech companies have set their sights on building the metaverse as the next digital realm for work, play and shopping. But first they have to build it, and that is leading to intense competition for the top tech talent. Tech reporter Aaron Tilley joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Location technology is getting better and better … and ultra-wideband could soon make it easier to unlock doors, turn on smart devices and even limit the need for passwords. But first the companies developing this technology need to get over privacy hurdles. WSJ Tech Columnist Christopher Mims speaks with Tech News Briefing’s Julie Chang about how UWB could reshape how we interact with our devices. Zoe Thomas hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

January 8th marked one year since Twitter permanently banned former president Donald Trump from its platform. Other social media companies soon followed suit. WSJ tech reporter Georgia Wells joins host Julie Chang for a look back at the past year and explains how the companies and even Trump benefited from the ban. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The U.S. military’s newest and most-concerning tactical threat is cheap hobby drones rigged with explosives. WSJ’s Middle East correspondent Stephen Kalin joins host Julie Chang to explain why fighting back against the aerial gadgets has become a big battlefield problem, mostly in the Middle East, and a seemingly never ending cat-and-mouse game for troops. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

General Motors, Chrysler and electronics giant Sony unveiled their visions for the future of electric cars at the tech conference CES. WSJ reporter Mike Colias joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the designs, why more tech companies are eying the auto industry and what it means for the broader EV market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The annual consumer tech trade show CES opens to the public in Las Vegas on Wednesday. For decades, the event has been the place to reveal devices that may one day become staples in homes and offices. WSJ Personal Tech News Editor Shara Tibken joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the most exciting trends and gadgets being revealed at this year's event. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cellphone carriers plan to go ahead with the launch of 5G service this week despite federal transportation regulators’ concerns it could lead to disruptions in air travel. WSJ telecommunications reporter Drew FitzGerald joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what the game of chicken could mean for cell service, travelers, and the airline and telecom industries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a mixed verdict, Elizabeth Holmes, founder of defunct blood testing startup Theranos, has been found guilty of four of the 11 fraud and conspiracy charges against her. The verdict caps a remarkable fall for a darling of Silicon Valley investors. WSJ Reporter Sara Randazzo joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what the verdict means for Holmes and the tech sector. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As 2022 kicks off, how will technology shape the coming year? Will robots, cheaper electric vehicles and drone deliveries change our lives? WSJ’s Tech Columnist Christopher Mims, Personal Tech Columnist Nicole Nguyen, and Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern join host Zoe Thomas to discuss what new tech they are looking forward to getting their hands on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aly Orady, founder and CEO of fitness company Tonal, says artificial intelligence is better and safer than a human trainer. At the WSJ's Tech Live event, he spoke with host Zoe Thomas about personalized workouts, how the company uses customers' data and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When TikTok users start to feel that the videos being shown to them are harmful to their well-being, how easy is it to disengage? And what responsibility do authorities, from parents to governments to TikTok itself, have in keeping the platform safe? This is the final episode of Tech News Briefing’s special three-part series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to TikTok videos that discuss mental health, eating disorders and self-harm, deciphering what is helpful and what is harmful can be hard for TikTok’s algorithm. And even when users share videos of their recovery, their posts can send others into spirals. So how do TikTokers try to help each other in this gray area? This is part two of Tech News Briefing’s special series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TikTok’s powerful algorithm is exceptionally good at engaging users. But what happens when the endless scroll on the app turns into a stream of potentially harmful content, including on starvation diets, self-harm and suicide? And why do users who say they didn't go looking for this type of content still see so much of it? This is the first part of Tech News Briefing’s special three-part series looking at the real-life impact of social-media spirals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Starting Monday, Tech News Briefing will be bringing you a special series on the potentially devastating impacts of social media, in particular TikTok. Over three episodes, we will look at how users can get trapped in a cycle of potentially damaging content, why it can be hard for TikTok’s algorithm to decipher what is helpful from what is harmful, and who has responsibility for keeping the platform safe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After more than a decade of delays, the most powerful space telescope ever built is set to be launched this weekend. Once in action, the James Webb Space Telescope will replace the Hubble, which has been orbiting Earth for 30 years. WSJ science writer Robert Lee Hotz joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how the new telescope works and why astronomers say it will be worth the wait. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bots, Facebook groups, 3 a.m. notifications… There are various online tools available to help you sidestep this shopping season’s widespread supply-chain issues and scoop up the items you’re after. Reporter Ann-Marie Alcántara from the WSJ's Experience Report joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oracle said it would purchase electronic-medical-records company Cerner for roughly $28 billion. Medical data is one of the top drivers of growth for cloud computing, a space where Oracle is hoping to expand its market share. WSJ reporter Aaron Tilley joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the deal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some investors, engineers and tech dreamers are developing plans for what they hope will be a better version of the internet. In their vision, “Web 3.0” will be more democratic, rely less on big tech and allow anyone to monetize anything online. But not everyone shares that vision. WSJ tech columnist Christopher Mims joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Companies are working to develop "circular" manufacturing processes to reduce waste, bring down costs and make electronics easier to repair. But there are many challenges to making laptops and other devices fully recyclable. WSJ Pro Sustainable Business reporter Dieter Holger joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how Dell is trying to make it work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A major software flaw has cybersecurity experts worried, and now Microsoft and some cybersecurity firms say they have found hackers tied to China and other governments working to exploit the bug. WSJ cybersecurity reporter Robert McMillan joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss who could be affected and for how long. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There have been more human space flights this year than any other, and private companies with paying customers are starting to make their mark on the industry. So what comes next for the space sector and humanity's ambitions among the stars? WSJ aerospace reporter Micah Maidenberg joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shareholders of Facebook parent Meta are calling for a range of changes to how the company operates, following revelations that internal research showed the company's platforms can be harmful to some users. WSJ reporter Emily Glazer joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what investors want and how likely they are to succeed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Google's VP of Engineering shares her thoughts on the challenges of developing responsible artificial intelligence and avoiding AI bias with WSJ Columnist Christopher Mims. Julie Chang hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amazon's growing need for warehouse workers means the company is dominating the hiring market. WSJ reporter Sebastian Herrera joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the effect Amazon is having on low-skilled workers and the other companies competing to hire them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The pandemic opened up whole new ways for musicians and recording artists to collect data on their audience. Now they are using that data to connect with and sell things to their biggest fans. Music-industry reporter Anne Steele joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the data that musicians are gathering and how it is reshaping the music industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tesla CEO Elon Musk says the electric-vehicle market would be better off without government support or intervention. He spoke with the WSJ's Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern at the WSJ's CEO Council Summit about a wide range of topics, from innovation and leadership to telepathy and reusable rockets. Zoe Thomas hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most of us unknowingly give away our data for free every time we go online. But a growing number of startups want to help people better manage their personal information, and give them a cut of the profit when it's sold. WSJ reporter Patience Haggin joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how these companies want to shake up the multibillion-dollar digital-ad industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Surveillance cameras, biometrics and smartphone data all make it harder for spies to remain in the shadows. National-security reporter Warren Strobel joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why technology is a blessing and a curse to spycraft, and how intelligence agencies like the CIA are adapting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scientists have been working for decades to replicate the sun's nearly limitless energy on Earth through nuclear fusion. Now investors are pouring billions of dollars into startups working to make it happen on a commercial scale. WSJ energy reporter Jennifer Hiller joins host Zoe Thomas to explain why the holy grail of energy has been out of reach for so long, and why money for its development is pouring in now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SoftBank is investing in Zepeto, a South Korean app popular with young women, where they can buy their 3-D avatars virtual versions of luxury fashion items. It's a sign that while the metaverse may not be fully here yet, opportunities for users and investors are starting to take shape. Wall Street Journal tech reporter Jiyoung Sohn joins WSJ Tech News Briefing host Zoe Thomas to discuss the app and why the Asian market may be faster at adopting apps for the metaverse. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The perfect tech gift might not be easy to come by this holiday shopping season, thanks to supply-chain issues and shipping backlogs. WSJ personal-tech reporter Dalvin Brown joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss some last-minute tech gift alternatives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey is stepping down as CEO. WSJ Heard on the Street columnist Laura Forman joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the reasons behind his departure and what it could mean for the company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NASA is testing a system designed to protect the Earth from a massive meteor strike. WSJ science writer Robert Lee Hotz joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how the technology works and what to expect from the test run now underway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Wall Street Journal's personal tech team has compiled a list of their favorite gadgets to give as presents this year, beyond laptops, gaming devices and smartphones. Personal Tech Editor Wilson Rothman, Personal Tech Columnist Nicole Nguyen and Personal Tech Reporter Dalvin Brown join host Zoe Thomas to discuss the gear that stood out to them in 2021. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Guo, a general partner at the venture-capital firm Greylock, speaks with host Zoe Thomas about diversity in Silicon Valley, cybersecurity and how the pandemic changed the environment for early-stage investing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Wall Street Journal reports exclusively that NBCUniversal is considering pulling its content from Hulu and keeping it solely on its own streaming platform, Peacock. Cable and media industry reporter Lillian Rizzo joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what it says about the current streaming landscape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As more people invest in cryptocurrencies, hackers are targeting retail investors, emptying their digital wallets and making off with their holdings. WSJ Pro Cybersecurity reporter David Uberti joins host Zoe Thomas to explain how the hack works and why regulators and cellphone providers are at odds on what to do about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The U.S. Secret Service teaches law enforcement officers from across the country how to combat cybercriminals at a training center in Alabama. WSJ Pro Cybersecurity reporter James Rundle visited it, and he joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how the training has grown to encompass more complex scenarios as cyber threats have grown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Videogame platform Roblox is spending $10 million to help develop educational games. Reporter Sarah Needleman joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why the company is looking to get into classrooms and what it could mean for the company's ambitions in the metaverse. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Employees at Activision Blizzard staged a walkout after a Wall Street Journal investigation found CEO Bobby Kotick knew for years about allegations of sexual harassment and miscoduct inside the company. Reporter Kirsten Grind joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the allegations, how the company reacted and what comes next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A trial in Florida is seeking to determine the true identity of the mysterious creator of bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto, and who is entitled to a digital currency fortune of roughly $64 billion. Reporter Paul Vigna joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how the trial came about and why the identity of bitcoin's creator remains crypto's biggest secret. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Prosecutors in the trial of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes are likely to rest their case as soon as this week. In court testimony, some employees have described the company's work culture as one inundated with fear, intimidation and secrecy. Tech reporter Heather Somerville joins host Julie Chang to discuss how their testimony fits into the trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba is facing a variety of hurdles, from increased regulation to supply-chain constraints. How have those affected the company's famed shopping holiday, Singles Day? Asia tech reporter Stephanie Yang joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how the company is coping and what investors are watching for ahead of next week's earnings report. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The nearly $1 trillion infrastructure bill that's expected to be signed by President Biden contains money for various tech industries and could have a significant impact on connecting the country digitally as well as physically. WSJ Senior Washington Correspondent Jacob Schlesinger joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what's in the bill for the tech sector, and what happens next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Solar-powered cars could reduce a driver's carbon footprint without leaving them stranded far from a charging station. But when will the technology be ready for everyday use? Reporter Rebecca Elliot joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why some entrepreneurs think solar cars may soon be ready to shine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Wall Street Journal's "Facebook Files" series brought to light many of the social-media giant's failings. WSJ reporter Jeff Horwitz joins host Zoe Thomas to answer listeners' questions about the investigation, what Facebook knew and the implications for the company and society. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Facebook's internal surveys show a significant number of users report engaging in compulsive use of the platform. In the latest installment of "The Facebook Files," the WSJ's social-media reporter Deepa Seetharaman joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how the company reacted to those findings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TikTok is now available on Amazon Fire TV, but without some of the classic features of the smartphone app. So is this new format as appealing as the original? WSJ personal-tech reporter Dalvin Brown joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what TikTok for TV is like, and what the company hopes to get from the jump to bigger screens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yahoo has operated in China in some fashion for more than two decades. But this week the company decided to call it quits and cease offering its services there. The WSJ's China tech correspondent Liza Lin joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why Yahoo and other tech companies are making this decision and the broader implications for China's internet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The creation of digital currencies requires a lot of power. Now more crypto mining companies are trying to cut their carbon footprint by turning to renewable energy sources. But cutting their emissions isn't as easy as flipping a switch. Reporter Shane Shifflett joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how companies are making the switch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Uber and Lyft say their drivers aren't returning as fast as their customers, even as extended unemployment benefits expire. That's keeping the prices of ride hail trips high. WSJ reporter Preetika Rana joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why driver recruitment has stalled and what it says about the wider economy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Google's new Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro smartphones come with AI technology, known as Real Image, that the company says is better at capturing photos of people with darker complexions. WSJ personal tech columnist Nicole Nguyen put the camera to the test, and she joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how it stacks up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg says his company will now be called Meta, in line with its goal to focus more on the metaverse. But the shift comes amid scrutiny from lawmakers and regulators, and it carries considerable risks. WSJ tech reporter Sarah Needleman joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the changes and what's at stake for the company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new construction project in Texas will test the ability of and demand for 3-D printed houses. It comes at a time when the U.S. is facing a historic housing shortage. WSJ housing reporter Nicole Friedman joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how the technology works and what it could mean for American homebuyers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U.S. senators grill executives from social-media companies about how they plan to keep children safe on their platforms. WSJ tech policy reporter Ryan Tracy joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the takeaways from the hearing and what could come next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The founders of successful startups are increasingly receiving large compensation packages. Rather than simply benefiting from rising valuations, many are negotiating payouts linked to meeting growth milestones. Reporter Eliot Brown joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what this means for the founders and for investors who come on board later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Facebook's systems that help create viral posts by amplifying content often spread disproportionately incendiary or divisive posts, according to the company's internal research reviewed by The Wall Street Journal. Rather than reducing the overall spread of viral content, Facebook increasingly is stifling some political groups it deems dangerous. WSJ reporter Justin Sheck joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the latest installment of The Facebook Files. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Snap CEO Evan Spiegel sat down with WSJ Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern at WSJ's Tech Live event this week to discuss how the company thinks about the impact of social media on young users, what role regulation plays and why it's betting on augmented reality over the metaverse. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sen. Amy Klobuchar says this is the year lawmakers will take action on the power of big tech companies. In a conversation with the host of The Journal podcast, Ryan Knutson, at the WSJ's Tech Live conference, Sen. Klobuchar discusses why she thinks new laws are needed to increase the liability of social-media platforms, protect users and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At The Wall Street Journal's Tech Live conference, Reddit CEO Steve Huffman talked about the company's decision to leave discussions about GameStop untouched, why it took down the infamous subreddit r/The_Donald, and the company's growth plans with WSJ reporter Deepa Seetharaman. Tech Live runs through Oct. 20. Register and tune in at techlive.wsj.com/tlpodcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai discussed cybersecurity, tech innovation and government oversight with WSJ Editor in Chief Matt Murray at the WSJ's Tech Live conference. Register and tune in at techlive.wsj.com/tlpodcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Wall Street Journal's Tech Live conference, featuring some of the biggest names and most influential people in the tech world, starts Monday. The WSJ's live journalism editor Kim Last joins host Zoe Thomas to preview the big themes that will come up at this year's event. Register and tune in at techlive.wsj.com/tlpodcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bad Bets is a new podcast series from The Wall Street Journal that unravels big-business dramas that have had a big impact on our world. This season, we're delving into Enron. In 2001, energy company Enron was at the height of its power. Then, out of the blue, CEO Jeffrey Skilling resigned-just six months after he took the reins of a company he had helped turn into an innovation machine. Why? In this episode, we dive into the first cracks in the Enron facade. John Emshwiller is the host of this season of Bad Bets. John and his Journal colleague Rebecca Smith did the original reporting on which this season is based. Bad Bets is a production of The Wall Street Journal. This season was produced in collaboration with Neon Hum Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Satellites are emerging as powerful tools for combating climate change. WSJ energy policy reporter Tim Puko joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how governments, private companies and climate activists are using satellites to monitor greenhouse gas emissions, and why some people aren't thrilled about that kind of monitoring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The actor who played Captain Kirk on 'Star Trek' has gone to space in real life. William Shatner joined three other passengers on Blue Origin's second crewed space flight on Wednesday. Reporter Micah Maidenberg joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what this could signal about the future of space tourism, and whether high-profile passengers could move the industry forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some lawmakers want to force companies to report when they have been hacked. But the agency that would be tasked with enforcing those rules supports voluntary standards instead. WSJ Pro Cybersecurity reporter David Uberti joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The rollout out of superfast 5G networks were supposed to create the Internet of Things. But not much has been 5G enabled apart from cellphones, and many networks are still being built. WSJ tech reporter Meghan Bobrowsky joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss where progress on 5G stands and the promises it could hold when it takes off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The recent data breach at live-streaming video platform Twitch offered a rare glimpse into how much money streamers make from the site. But these payments don't paint a full picture of their earnings. Reporter Sarah Needleman joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how the live-streaming business works. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Artificial intelligence is being used to recreate actors' voices to dub their performances in foreign languages, or make them sound older or younger. Reporter Ellen Gamerman joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how the technology works and the controversy it is stirring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For years, wearable technology was bulky and unfashionable. Now a host of new accessories are blending form and function, offering wearers stylish looks that can track sleep and fitness, take pictures and play music. But are some common concerns about tech coming to clothing too? WSJ Men's Fashion Editor Jacob Gallagher joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how tech is disrupting fashion, and the drawbacks to wearing tech-enabled accessories all the time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The whistleblower who gathered documents on Facebook's internal research testified before Congress. Francis Haugen said the company builds its products to be addictive, and she called on lawmakers to take action. WSJ tech editor Jason Dean joins host Zoe Thomas to break down the testimony and how it could affect Facebook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apple doesn't make games, but it's making billions in profit from video gaming. It's earning that money by taking a cut from the sales of other game makers. Now challenges to the dominance of Apple's app store and changes to regulations in one of its biggest markets could threaten those earnings. WSJ reporter Tim Higgins joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how Apple has leveled up in the gaming world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A lawsuit in Alabama claims a ransomware attack on a hospital is partially to blame for the death of a baby. Reporter Kevin Poulsen joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how computer outages led to medical staff missing warning signs and how the hospital industry is dealing with the risks of cyberattacks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Thursday, senators grilled Facebook's Global Head of Safety on the possible negative impacts of the company's platforms, and what Facebook knew about potential harm of Instagram to young users. WSJ reporter Georgia Wells joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the hearing and what the bi-partisan pushback towards the social media giant could mean for the company's future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The new head of Paramount Pictures, Brian Robbins, has experience appealing to younger audiences. The movie studio is hoping that will help it sign up more subscribers to its steaming service, Paramount +. WSJ Entertainment and Media Reporter Joe Flint joins host Zoe Thomas to talk about the movie studio's plans and what they mean for audiences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A key question in the criminal fraud trial of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes relates to the defunct blood-testing startup's investors: Were they deceived or did they just make an unwise bet? Reporter Heather Somerville joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how the prosecution and defense will use the knowledge and experience of Theranos's investors to make their cases. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The head of Instagram says Facebook is pausing work on its plans for a version of the photo-sharing app geared at children younger than 13. The decision comes as the social-media giant faces criticism over its impact on young users' mental health. WSJ deputy tech editor Brad Reagan joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the pressure Facebook is under and how this decision could affect its business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The red-hot technology sector in Tel Aviv is having an economic impact across Israel. It has created new opportunities for those in the industry but also exacerbated existing fault lines in an already divided country. Reporter Dov Lieber joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how the industry is transforming the look of cities and who's being left out of the boom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zoox's autonomous-taxi technology caught the eye of Amazon, which bought the company last year. But will it attract customers? Host Zoe Thomas asks Zoox co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Jesse Levinson about the company's technology, competition and how to get people to trust self-driving taxis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Video conferencing company Zoom's plan to buy software business Five9 for nearly $15 billion has sparked a federal investigation of the deal over national-security concerns. Reporter Kate O'Keeffe joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why the deal is under review despite both companies being based in the U.S., and what it says about how authorities are looking to protect the telecommunications sector. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The price of bitcoin crossed $50,000 for the first time since May, signaling the possibility of a fresh rally for the digital asset. The news comes amid the broader rise of cryptocurrencies, which has sent regulators scrambling to catch up. Markets reporter Caitlin Ostroff joins host Amanda Lewellyn to round up what regulators are considering, and what that could mean for cryptocurrencies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tesla has been catching regulatory scrutiny for the company's assisted-driving features that rely on artificial intelligence. But despite the pressure, the company appears to be ramping up its use of the technology: Last week, CEO Elon Musk lifted the curtain on an upcoming Tesla robot. Reporter Rebecca Elliott joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Companies offering pared-down phones with few features are hoping to lure users who have grown tired of their smartphones. But convincing people to abandon their favorite apps isn't easy. Reporter Katie Deighton joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how these startups are competing in the smartphone market and what users are likely to want from these minimalist devices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

China is expected to pass one of the world's strictest data privacy laws this week. It's the latest move by the government to tighten restrictions on tech giants. Reporter Eva Xiao joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what it means for companies and why some private citizens will welcome the changes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Self-driving trucks promise a future of faster and cheaper shipping. Startups are testing the technology on the roads and tapping the stock market for financing. But the industry and some investors remain wary of the roadblocks ahead. Reporters Heather Somerville and Jennifer Smith join host Zoe Thomas to discuss the sector's outlook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The cryptocurrency industry prides itself on being decentralized and shying away from connections to government. But as U.S. lawmakers and regulators turn their attention to digital assets, the sector is uniting to lobby for its interests. Reporter Julie Bykowicz joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss this turning point for the crypto industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Boeing's Starliner space capsule has faced a string of problems, setting back a company that was once a leader in the space industry. Reporter Micah Maidenberg joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the latest issues and the role Boeing hopes to play in the sector's future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The chairman of GameStop, Ryan Cohen, was just an investor in the videogame retailer in 2019. But through activist tactics and support from meme-stock investors, he has managed to work his way to the top of the company. Reporter Sarah Needleman joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss his rise and what it means for the company's future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hackers stole more than $600 million worth of cryptocurrencies from the decentralized finance platform Poly Network. DeFi has been gaining popularity among users of digital assets, but heists and scams raise questions about the safety of these networks. Reporter Anna Hirtenstein joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what happened and the implications for the unregulated DeFi market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the hospitality sector struggles to find workers, more restaurants are turning to robots to take up jobs in the kitchen. Tech columnist Christopher Mims joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what these new robot chefs can do, and why they are likely here to stay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some Amazon sellers are tracking down customers who leave bad reviews and begging or even paying them to remove them, in violation of the platform's policy. Personal tech columnist Nicole Nguyen joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how far some sellers will go to keep their ratings high. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Experts believe the cybercriminals behind one of the biggest ransomware attacks on U.S. critical infrastructure have regrouped under a new name. How do they know it's the same group, and why would hackers need a rebrand at all? Cybersecurity reporter David Uberti joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gary Gensler, head of the Securities and Exchange Commission, says his agency will step up regulatory enforcement of cryptocurrencies. That may not be welcome news for an industry that has mostly dodged oversight. But it won't be an easy task for the SEC either. Reporter Dave Michaels joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the proposals and challenges facing both the industry and the agency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A little-known location-data broker, X-Mode Social, is being acquired a year after its work raised questions about government surveillance. Reporter Patience Haggin hoins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the deal and the future of the multibillion-dollar consumer data industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The infrastructure bill working its way through the Senate includes $65 billion to expand broadband access to poor and isolated communities. But the real winners of the package may be the internet providers themselves. Reporter Drew FitzGerald joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what's in the plan and its potential impact. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This year is poised to set a record for tech startup fundraising. That's due in large part to funding from large money managers that are writing huge checks to private companies. Reporter Heather Somerville joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what this means for the venture capitalists that traditionally dominated startup financing, and for founders looking to raise cash. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Remote working has led many big tech firms to hire outside of Silicon Valley. That's an opportunity for workers to reap the benefits and salaries of big companies. But for smaller startups, outside the Bay Area, keeping up is a challenge. Reporter Katie Bindley joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what those smaller firms are doing to stay competitive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Remote working has led many big tech firms to hire outside of Silicon Valley. That's an opportunity for workers to reap the benefits and salaries of big companies. But for smaller startups, outside the Bay Area, keeping up is a challenge. Reporter Katie Bindley joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what those smaller firms are doing to stay competitive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Surfing made its first Olympic debut this year. But those in the sport aren't just reading the waves- they're using an increasing amount of artificial intelligence, machine learning and data collection to improve their rides and predict conditions. Reporter Daniela Hernandez joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how technology is changing the sport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Biden has directed federal agencies to draw up new standards to help businesses critical to the US economy ward off hackers. Reporter Dustin Volz joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what the move means for companies and other steps the US is taking to protect against cyber attacks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Beijing is increasing pressure on the country's tech firms to get into line with national ambitions. Reporter Stephanie Yang joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the ways regulators are stepping up scrutiny and what it means for the future of Chinese tech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

California regulators have filed a lawsuit against Activision Blizzard, the company behind Call of Duty, World of Warcraft and Candy Crush. Reporter Sarah Needleman joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the case and the impact of sexual harassment in the gaming industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most overnight camps don't allow electronic devices. Some parents see this as an opportunity to bring their children's screen time back to pre-pandemic levels for back-to-school. Columnist Julie Jargon joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how parents can reset their kids' tech use. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Netflix's aspirations in videogames are taking shape. But its dominance in streaming is no guarantee of success in the competitive field of gaming. Reporter Sarah Needleman joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why Netflix is taking on this challenge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The algorithm TikTok uses to serve up engaging videos has been the source of much speculation. Now an investigation by The Wall Street Journal reveals how the technology behind the fastest-growing social-media platform works. Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the findings and what they mean for users. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The metal gallium is enabling a surprising array of new technologies, taking over for the old standby of silicon in some use cases. Tech columnist Christopher Mims joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the potential for this novel material to help transform our electrified world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amazon and Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos is set to take a trip to the edge of space, making him the second billionaire to do so in less than two weeks. Reporter Micah Maidenberg joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how the business models of the companies involved could shape the development of the private space industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A team of California scientists backed by Facebook say they successfully tested an experimental brain implant that turned brain signals into words on a computer screen. Tech reporter Rolfe Winkler joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how it worked and why private companies are so interested in the space. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The global chip shortage has yet another consequence: a rash of fake semiconductors from scammers targeting manufacturers that are desperate for components. Reporter Stephanie Yang joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why companies are falling for the fakes, and what they're doing about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After some high-profile failures a decade ago, investors and governments soured on clean-technology companies. Now they're back, funding a new wave of green startups. Reporter Scott Patterson joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss whether this time will be different. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bad actors online can take an emotional and, in some cases, financial toll on their victims. Now some insurance agencies are offering policies to protect against the impact of cyberbullying. Family & Tech columnist Julie Jargon joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how cyberbullying insurance works, plus ways of warding off bullies online in the first place Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A panel of experts assembled by the World Health Organization is recommending global standards for gene-editing technology. The proposed rules aim to prevent inequitable and potentially dangerous uses of techniques for altering DNA. Health reporter Amy Dockser Marcus joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the recommendations and how they aim to address various ethical dilemmas posed by the emerging tech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since their inception, Uber and Lyft have struggled to balance the pursuit of fast growth with demands for profitability. Now, as the cost of ride-hailing services soars amid a driver shortage, the companies are turning to some old strategies to attract and keep drivers and customers. Will they work this time? Reporter Preetika Rana joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the road ahead for ride-hailing companies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This weekend, Richard Branson hopes to head to space on a flight with his company Virgin Galactic. Just over a week later, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos plans to board one of his Blue Origin spacecraft. So what do the billionaires' trips mean for the burgeoning space-tourism sector, and when will the rest of us get a chance? Reporter Micah Maidenburg joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. 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

YouTube has made a lot of changes in the past year to limit the problematic videos it recommends to viewers. But a new study suggests the company's efforts have a way to go. Reporter Tripp Mickle joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the challenges YouTube and other social platforms face in weeding out harmful content without censoring diverse points of view. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Russian hacking group REvil is demanding $70 million to unlock computers that were swept up in a widespread ransomware attack affecting a program from enterprise software provider Kaseya. Cybersecurity reporter Dustin Volz joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the attack and what makes it different from some other recent high-profile attacks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if Abraham Lincoln could address Congress today? Or if you could have dinner with your deceased ancestors? Researchers and entrepreneurs are exploring ways that artificial intelligence could create digital versions of people's personalities that would endure long after they themselves die. But the innovations come with potential pitfalls. Tech reporter Asa Fitch joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Next week Jeff Bezos is set to step down as CEO of Amazon, the company he founded and built into a sprawling e-commerce juggernaut. So what does Amazon look like post-Bezos? WSJ's Amazon reporter, Dana Mattioli, joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the company's history and future. Production help this week came from Amanda Lewellyn. 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

The White House says half of the country's highest-priority electric grid operators have taken steps to prevent cyberattacks, or will soon. The government hopes the sector's approach could act as a blueprint for protecting other critical infrastructure in the U.S. Cybersecurity reporter David Uberti joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A federal judge dismissed two antitrust lawsuits against Facebook, in a victory for the social-media giant even before the cases got off the ground. What does the ruling mean for the government's efforts to rein in Big Tech? Legal-affairs reporter Brent Kendall joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wildfire season in the western U.S. is shaping up to be especially active this year, but some authorities are testing ways of using artificial intelligence to detect and respond to fires before they grow out of control. WSJ Pro Artificial Intelligence deputy editor John McCormick joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A network of gig workers around the world is unwittingly providing basic intelligence to the U.S. military, using a consumer smartphone app called Premise. Reporter Byron Tau joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss how the app works, and how it's one of a growing number of companies that take advantage of the proliferation of mobile phones. Plus, a note about a big change coming to Tech News Briefing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Microsoft rolled out a new version of its Windows operating system yesterday. On today's show, a conversation between CEO and Chairman Satya Nadella and our Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Production help this week came from Zoe Thomas. 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

Amid a patchwork of regulatory concerns about the employment status of gig workers, drivers for Uber, Lyft and others are flocking to apps that help them do things like track pay and dispute customer complaints. Reporter Preetika Rana joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss what's behind their rise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In recent weeks, some scholars have seen their LinkedIn accounts blocked and posts removed in China, over so-called "prohibited content." Reporter Liza Lin joins host Amanda Lewellyn to break down what we're seeing, and how the incidents illustrate the trade-offs tech companies must make when operating in China. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The tech industry has been dealing with a chip shortage, as demand for devices powered by semiconductors outpaces production capacity. Now some of the resulting higher prices are starting to reach consumers. Reporter Asa Fitch joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain why it's happening now, and whether there's an end in sight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amazon's Prime Day event is underway. Since it was started in 2015, the event has become hugely impactful for the company's bottom line-and for competitors'. WSJ's Amazon reporter Sebastian Herrera joins host Amanda Lewellyn with more on the event, and what you should know before you decide to shop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the past week, there have been several major U.S. policy developments that could play a big role in the fate of tech companies. Reporter Ryan Tracy joins host Amanda Lewellyn to break down the changes. 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

A team of researchers from Facebook and Michigan State University say that even the sophisticated artificial-intelligence technology used to build deepfakes leaves "fingerprints." WSJ Pro Artificial Intelligence Deputy Editor John McCormick joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain their findings, and how they could be used to combat deepfakes online. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Biden is tapping Columbia University professor Lina Khan to lead the Federal Trade Commission. Ms. Khan has been a vocal critic of Big Tech and will be positioned to pursue sweeping changes to antitrust enforcement. Legal affairs reporter Brent Kendall joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss what it could mean for tech companies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As next-generation 5G networks are rolled out, the U.S. government is ramping up restrictions on Chinese-made telecom equipment, which it sees as potentially harmful to national security. Washington has mostly used a threat-based approach to try and get other countries to follow suit. But more recently it's been taking a new approach, one based on financial incentives. Reporter Stu Woo joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain what that entails, and what's behind the switch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week, law enforcement said it had retrieved 64 of the 75 bitcoin Colonial Pipeline paid to hackers after a ransomware attack. The announcement challenges the cryptocurrency's reputation as an untraceable form of payment. Cybersecurity reporter David Uberti joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain how the FBI got the money back, and what it means for the fight against ransomware. Correction: The hackers with the ransomware group DarkSide still have more than 11 bitcoin from Colonial Pipeline's ransom payment. The value of those bitcoin is currently equal to more than $400,000. An earlier version of this podcast incorrectly said hackers retained more than $2 million in bitcoin after the FBI's seizure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At the WSJ's recent virtual Tech Health event, SoftBank Senior Managing Partner Deep Nishar and former Apple CEO John Sculley spoke with reporter Rolfe Winkler about how they're placing their bets when it comes to investing in healthcare technology. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. 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

At the WSJ's virtual Tech Health event Wednesday, Google Health VP David Feinberg joined business editor Jamie Heller to discuss how Google has directed people to information about the pandemic, as well as its ventures in healthcare technology. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At WWDC this week, Apple introduced several features it said were meant to help protect users' privacy as they use their devices. But advertisers are concerned about how the changes will affect their businesses. Reporter Patience Haggin joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain. Dow Jones & Co., publisher of The Wall Street Journal, has a commercial agreement to supply news through Apple services. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yesterday, Apple kicked off its annual Worldwide Developers Conference, where it announced big updates to many of its core apps, many of which focused on privacy and maintaining its walled garden. Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern joins host Amanda Lewellyn to break down the changes. Dow Jones & Co., publisher of The Wall Street Journal, has a commercial agreement to supply news through Apple services. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a decision from its Oversight Board last month, Facebook said it would suspend former President Donald Trump for two years, and that it would be clearer about how it enforces rules for newsworthy figures on its platform. Facebook reporter Jeff Horwitz joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain. News Corp, owner of The Wall Street Journal, has a commercial agreement to supply news through Facebook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Government officials are looking at ways to address the uptick in cyber attacks over the past year. Cybersecurity reporter David Uberti joins host Amanda Lewellyn to break down what they are considering. Christopher Zinsli is our supervising producer. Kateri Jochum is the executive producer of WSJ audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dogecoin has been on a tear this year, egged on by retail investors and tweets from influential advocates like Elon Musk. Now doge is set to begin trading on Coinbase. Markets reporter Caitlin Ostroff joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain why Coinbase is making the move, and whether it could lend some credibility to the joke cryptocurrency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Germany could become the first large nation to subsidize the use of consumer satellite internet services like those offered by Elon Musk's Starlink. Germany correspondent Bojan Pancevski joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain why Germany is turning to satellite internet, and why Starlink is a top candidate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Next-generation 5G networks are supposed to bring superfast download speeds, and possibly even enable the next wave of tech innovation. But in8he U.S., the rollout has been anything but fast. Reporter Jared Council joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not every meeting in the remote-work era needs to be a video call. In fact, there's evidence that plain-old voice calls can be just as productive, if not more so-and better for everyone's mental health, to boot. Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern joins host Amanda Lewellyn to make the case for more audio-only meetings and share tips for knowing which kind to use in any given situation. Christopher Zinsli is our supervising producer. Kateri Jochum is the executive producer of WSJ audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amazon reached a deal to buy the fabled Hollywood studio MGM for nearly $8.5 billion, including debt. The deal will give Amazon access to MGM's library of content, including franchises like "James Bond" and "Rocky." On today's show, entertainment reporter Joe Flint joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss the deal, and what it tells us about the future of the streaming wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Germany's competition regulator is considering a move that would enable the regulator to order Google to make changes to business practices that are deemed anticompetitive. Tech policy reporter Sam Schechner joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss the action being considered, and how it could change antitrust enforcement in Europe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ransomware attacks that lock up a victim's systems have become more common. So have people who negotiate with the hackers on behalf of the victims. Kurtis Minder, co-founder of the cyber reconnaissance startup GroupSense, discusses what those negotiations are like, and cybersecurity reporter David Uberti discusses how this approach is viewed within the cyber community. Christopher Zinsli hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For years, senior managers at Google's DeepMind artificial-intelligence unit sought to negotiate more independence from the parent company. Now we report exclusively that Google ended those talks last month. Tech reporter Parmy Olson joins host Christopher Zinsli to discuss what happened, and why Google's moves on ethical issues surrounding AI are so closely watched. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At the end of the third week of the Epic Games trial, Apple's CEO Tim Cook is expected to be called to testify in his company's defense. WSJ's Apple reporter Tim Higgins discusses the issues at play, and what to expect from the day's testimony. Supervising Producer Christopher Zinsli fills in for host Amanda Lewellyn. Kateri Jochum is the executive producer of WSJ Podcasts. Dow Jones & Co., publisher of The Wall Street Journal, has a commercial agreement to supply news through Apple services. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has championed his vehicles' driver-assistance system, and he has forecasted that self-driving cars are the future. But some Tesla drivers are getting ahead of the technology. Tesla reporter Rebecca Elliott joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss why safety advocates are raising concerns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Google says it is devoting billions of dollars to developing a commercial-grade quantum computer by 2029. The company is exploring use cases ranging from energy-efficient batteries to more sustainable fertilizer to accelerating the development of machine learning. WSJ Pro reporter Sara Castellanos joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss Google's plan and the challenges it faces. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Several big tech companies blocked access to the social-media app Parler in the aftermath of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, saying it hadn't done enough to address threats of violence. Now Parler has returned to Apple's App Store. Tech reporter Sarah Needleman joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss what the platform looks like now, and how its new CEO could shape the company's way forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The second-largest cryptocurrency network, Ethereum, has been booming on the back of interest in NFTs and "DeFi," or decentralized finance. But our cryptocurrency reporter Paul Vigna says its rise also has exposed some of the network's challenges, including network congestion and scalability. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week The Wall Street Journal is sitting down with industry movers and shakers for our Future of Everything Festival. Today we hear from Roblox founder and CEO David Baszucki on the videogame platform's dramatic rise over the past year, how he sees it continuing to grow, and how his company could be affected by the ongoing court battle between Epic Games and Apple. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. 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

This week The Wall Street Journal is sitting down with industry movers and shakers for our Future of Everything Festival. SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce was an early advocate for cryptocurrencies, earning her the moniker "CryptoMom" from crypto startups and traders. She discusses the future of digital assets with WSJ's investing columnist Jason Zweig. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week The Wall Street Journal is sitting down with industry movers and shakers for our Future of Everything Festival. Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern interviews Dr. Marian Croak, Google's engineering vice president and head of the tech giant's responsible AI team, about the ethical development of artificial-intelligence technology. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hackers took aim at the East Coast's main fuel pipeline, forcing operators to shut it down over the weekend. Cybersecurity reporter David Uberti joins host Amanda Lewellyn to break down the latest on the cyberattack, and what it could mean for how we protect the nation's energy infrastructure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk hosted "Saturday Night Live" this past weekend. Tesla reporter Rebecca Elliott joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss what happened and why the sketch show made the unusual choice to bring him on in the first place. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new report from the New York attorney general found that nearly 18 million fake comments were filed regarding the Federal Communications Commission's 2017 proposal to scale back internet regulations. Senior writer James Grimaldi joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss the finding and what is being done to combat the tactic, known as astroturfing. 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

In a long-anticipated ruling, Facebook's oversight board upheld the company's decision to block former President Donald Trump from its platforms. But it said the company didn't adequately explain if or why the ban would be permanent. Facebook reporter Jeff Horwitz joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss the ruling, and its potential impact. News Corp, owner of The Wall Street Journal, has a commercial agreement to supply news through Facebook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former President Donald Trump has been banned from Facebook and Instagram since January, after a pro-Trump mob attacked the U.S. Capitol. Today, Facebook's independent oversight board is expected to hand down its decision that could determine whether Mr. Trump is allowed back on the platforms. Facebook reporter Jeff Horwitz joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss how the board is making its decision, and what the impact could be. News Corp, owner of The Wall Street Journal, has a commercial agreement to supply news through Facebook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leaders at the startup Basecamp said last week it would curb political conversations at work. The announcement sparked an immediate backlash. But it's not the first time a tech company has tried to limit employees' speech. Tech reporter Katie Bindley joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain why the issue has become so prevalent, and how Basecamp fits in. Dow Jones & Co., publisher of The Wall Street Journal, has a commercial agreement to supply news through Apple services. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The high-profile trial between the maker of 'Fortnite' and Apple begins today. Epic alleges that Apple's developer fees-the 30% commission it takes on purchases made through its App Store-are too high and anticompetitive. Apple says the fees are in line with what others charge and that it uses the money to ensure that transactions made through the App Store are safe. Apple reporter Tim Higgins joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss what to watch for. Dow Jones & Co., publisher of The Wall Street Journal, has a commercial agreement to supply news through Apple services. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's quarterly earnings reports from some of the biggest tech companies in the world give us a first look at how the sector is faring as the world begins to ease pandemic-related restrictions. Tech editor Bowdeya Tweh joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss the results and what we learned. 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

While most CEOs steer clear of regulators, the entrepreneur Elon Musk often goes head-to-head with agencies that oversee financial markets and space flight. Investigations reporter Susan Pulliam joins host Amanda Lewellyn to take a closer look at what this unusual stance has meant for Mr. Musk and his companies. News Corp, owner of The Wall Street Journal, has a commercial agreement to supply news through Facebook. Dow Jones & Co., publisher of The Wall Street Journal, has a commercial agreement to supply news through Apple services. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Google secured one of its largest-ever cloud computing deals with the Spanish-language broadcaster Univision by bundling its cloud computing services with benefits in its search, advertising and YouTube businesses. Tech reporter Aaron Tilley joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain why some lawmakers are raising questions about the practice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you updated to iOS 14.5, you might have noticed the apps on your iPhone asking for permission to track you. That is due to a new feature called app tracking transparency, or ATT, that has sparked a backlash from developers and advertisers that depend on such data. Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern sits down with Apple's software chief, Craig Federighi, to discuss the change and the debate it has stoked. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U.S. startups raised $69 billion from investors in the first quarter, according to PitchBook Data, and the average valuation at all stages reached a new high. Tech reporter Heather Somerville joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain what is driving the trend, and the risk it holds for startups and investors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some lawmakers are raising concerns about the safety of Tesla vehicles after a series of fatal crashes, most recently one in Texas last weekend. Tesla reporter Rebecca Elliott joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss lawmakers' concerns, and how regulators might respond. 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

The executive branch of the European Union has put forward one of the first proposed laws globally to regulate artificial intelligence and facial-recognition technologies. Tech reporter Parmy Olson joins host Amanda Lewellyn to break down what is in the bill, and the impact it could have. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many parents have leaned on online games to keep young children entertained and connected during the pandemic. But in one popular platform, Roblox, there are dark corners: In some games, players' avatars simulate sex and "date" one another. Family and Tech Columnist Julie Jargon joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain the impact on children, and how Roblox is working to more strictly moderate content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elon Musk's internet satellite venture, Starlink, is authorized to send 12,000 satellites into orbit to expand internet access, and it is seeking permission for another 30,000. But rivals are raising concerns about the company's approach. Correspondent Bojan Pancevski joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The pandemic threatened to clobber Stripe. Instead, the payments processor became one of the most lucrative businesses in Silicon Valley. Fintech reporter Peter Rudegeair joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apple is set to roll out a feature that would require apps to ask users' permission before tracking them. Facebook has been among the most vocal opponents to the change, saying it could hurt its advertising business. But small businesses could bear the brunt of it. Tech columnist Christopher Mims joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss. 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

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are making their way into the mainstream. Some recent developments, including the public listing of the cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase and a new SEC chairman seen as friendlier to crypto, have some believing that the time is ripe for a bitcoin ETF. Heard on the Street columnist Telis Demos joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain what that could look like, and how it could change investors' relationship to bitcoin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Microsoft's $16 billion acquisition of the speech-recognition company Nuance Communications is yet another sign that big tech is furthering its push into healthcare. Tech reporter Rolfe Winkler joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss the opportunity tech companies see, and the challenges that lie ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

White House officials met with tech executives yesterday to discuss how to address a chip shortage that has hobbled the auto industry and squeezed others in the tech sector. White House reporter Alex Leary joins host Amanda Lewellyn to recap the meeting and discuss what could happen next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

About 71% of Amazon workers at a warehouse in Bessemer, Ala., voted against forming what would have been the company's first U.S. union. Tech editor Bradley Olson joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss the outcome, as well as the possible ramifications for other unionization efforts elsewhere in the tech industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The chatbots on your bank's website could someday help you manage your money in real time. WSJ Personal Finance Reporter Julia Carpenter joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain what that could look like - and the hurdles between now and then. 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

When NASA's Perseverance rover landed on the red planet in late February, it was carrying a stowaway: a small helicopter called Ingenuity. In the coming days, Ingenuity is set to begin a series of test flights that scientists are hoping could lead to breakthroughs in space exploration. Science writer Robert Lee Hotz joins host Amanda Lewellyn with the details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cryptocurrencies have gained traction in the mainstream in recent months, with some companies and even governments making serious investments in bitcoin and other digital assets. Now, several financial firms have formed a trade group to lobby for the technology and champion its economic benefits. Global financial editor Geoffrey Rogow joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain what they're pushing for, and why now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Facebook is rolling out new controls that would make it easier for users to determine what is in their feeds. Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss what the change means for the company and users. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An influx of new gadgets aim to help you sleep better by collecting data about your heart rate, time in bed, and sleep cycles. But are they worth it? Personal tech columnist Nicole Nguyen joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Biden administration this week unveiled a $2.3 trillion plan to update the nation's infrastructure, including $100 billion to expand internet access. Tech policy reporter Ryan Tracy joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss the hurdles the plan faces. 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

When FireEye raised the alarm about the massive SolarWinds breach in December, it did so of its own volition: There were no laws that required the company to disclose the attack. Now lawmakers are taking a fresh look at revamping laws around the disclosure of breaches. Cybersecurity reporter David Uberti joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apple is set to roll out a new privacy feature that will make it harder for third parties to track users. Advertisers pushed back when the change was first announced. But now that the update is set to be rolled out in the coming weeks, some are developing new digital-ad strategies. Reporter Patience Haggin joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss what they have come up with. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Between the pandemic and the rise of food-delivery apps, restaurants are relying more heavily on take-away to survive. Now they are developing virtual brands to attract more customers through the apps. Reporter Heather Haddon joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss the trend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thousands of workers at an Amazon warehouse in Bessemer, Ala., are voting on whether to unionize. It would be the first union for Amazon workers in the U.S., and could have a massive impact at Amazon and beyond. Tech reporter Sebastian Herrera joins host Amanda Lewellyn with the details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Traditionally, children's book publishers have relied heavily on creative give and take between authors and editors, sometimes using focus groups and other data sources for market intelligence. But one digital library, Epic, is using data to inform the process of creating children's books. Arts and entertainment reporter Ellen Gamerman joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss. 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

The heads of Facebook, Twitter and Google's parent Alphabet are expected to make their first appearance before the new Congress today, where they are likely to face questions about how they moderate content on their platforms. Tech policy reporter Ryan Tracy joins host Amanda Lewellyn with a look ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Non-fungible tokens are exploding in popularity, and the music industry is the latest to pick up on the trend. Music-industry reporter Anne Steele joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss how artists are taking advantage of NFTs, and how the assets could help address issues of authenticity and fair pay that have long plagued the industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fueled by Reddit and other online forums, retail investors drove shares of GameStop to new heights earlier this year. Even now, at nearly $200, the price of a share of GameStop is more than 10 times what it was at the start of the year, though that is down considerably from its peak of $483 in late January. Now the company is set to release its first earnings report since the frenzy. Videogames reporter Sarah Needleman joins host Amanda Lewellyn with what to expect. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Covid-19 vaccines roll out, a new challenge is emerging: How do you figure out who can safely enter public spaces? A group called the Vaccine Credential Initiative is preparing to release open-source standards to help verify people's vaccination records in mobile apps or through QR codes. Reporter Sara Castellanos joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New data shows that while box-office revenue has plunged during the pandemic, subscriptions to streaming services have soared. Hollywood reporter R.T. Watson joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain why the trend could endure even after movie theaters reopen, and how studios are shifting their strategies to adapt. 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

Facebook is the latest social-media company to say it would roll out tools to help users monetize their audiences. Reporter Sarah Needleman joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain why so many companies are making these sorts of moves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The messaging app Signal has become unusable for many people in mainland China, with users concluding it has apparently been blocked by authorities. Signal was one of the last widely used messaging apps that could send and receive encrypted messages in China without the use of a virtual private network, or VPN. Asia tech reporter Stephanie Yang discusses what the blocking of Signal and other services means for discourse in China. Christopher Zinsli hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With more than 500 million active monthly users, Telegram is one of the few significant social-media challengers to Facebook. But until now the messaging company hasn't made much of an effort to turn that success in attracting users into a money-making business. Tech reporter Sam Schechner discusses how that is changing. Christopher Zinsli hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As office employees start returning after a year of working from home, many will encounter a different kind of environment: hybrid work. Senior Personal Technology Columnist Joanna Stern joins host Kateri Jochum to explain what that means, the problems it could pose, and tech tips for dealing with them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Both sides of the political aisle have discussed the need to strengthen U.S. antitrust law. Congressional hearings this week could be a first test of whether that will come to fruition. Tech policy reporter Ryan Tracy joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss the hearings, and what the outcome could mean for tech companies. 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

The chat startup Discord has doubled its user base and nearly tripled its revenue during the pandemic, as consumer demand for at-home entertainment has skyrocketed. Unlike the big social-media platforms, though, Discord uses a subscription model. Reporter Sarah Needleman joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain why other platforms are taking note. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The European Union's massive Covid-19 economic-relief package includes a more than $150 billion pledge to bolster its technological independence by 2030. Tech reporter Stu Woo joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss who the E.U. is competing against, and what is at stake. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Non-fungible tokens have blown up in recent days, with collectors using them to verify the authenticity of everything from LeBron James highlights to the latest Kings of Leon album. But what are they? And are they here to stay? Reporter Caitlin Ostroff explains. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For decades, tech startups have relied on rounds of venture capital to fuel early-stage growth before eventually going public. But recently more are turning to an alternative route to raising capital and securing a public listing: through special purpose acquisition companies, known as SPACs or "blank check" companies. Reporter Heather Somerville explains the trend and breaks down the risks and potential benefits. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hospitals have increasingly been hit with ransomware attacks during the pandemic, making it even harder to deliver critical care to Covid-19 patients. Reporter Melanie Evans joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss what is causing the uptick, and what it could mean for hospitals. 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

Alphabet's Google says it will stop using tracking technologies that uniquely identify internet users based on their browser history. Tech reporter Sam Schechner joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss why the change is coming now, and how it could upend the digital-advertising industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since the 19th century, syringes have been the go-to way to administer vaccines. Over the years, some technologists have tried, without much success, to introduce alternatives. But as Covid-19 vaccines roll out, reporter Jason Douglas says some companies see an opening. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As tech companies begin to plan for life on the other side of the pandemic, many startups are betting on a future without traditional office spaces. Tech reporter Katherine Bindley joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss why they are hesitant to sign leases, and what the shift could mean for the way the tech industry works. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For many tech companies, India is key to continued growth. There are hundreds of millions of users in the country who have yet to start using email, or tweeting, or shopping online. But New Delhi has begun to exert tighter control over internet companies, complicating their high hopes for the market. Tech reporter Newley Purnell joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss the latest measures. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Representatives from the public and private sectors have been collaborating to respond to the massive SolarWinds hack, which compromised at least 9 federal agencies and more than 100 businesses. But some are becoming increasingly frustrated with Amazon, saying the tech giant should be more publicly forthcoming about its knowledge of the attack. Cybersecurity and intelligence reporter Dustin Volz 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

For many restaurants, food-delivery apps like DoorDash and Grubhub have been a critical way to serve customers in the pandemic. But some say the commissions and fees these services charge is too high, and some restaurants are turning to alternatives. Tech reporter Preetika Rana joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss what they are trying, and how the development could affect food-delivery companies' already-struggling bottom lines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week, Facebook instituted a news blackout in Australia, over a proposal there that would require internet companies to pay publishers for news content. Now the company has reached a deal with Australia's government to restore news. Tech editor Bowdeya Tweh joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain why it reversed course, and what the development could mean for other jurisdictions considering similar legislation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the course of the last decade or so, IBM has poured billions of dollars into developing Watson Health, an artificial-intelligence system aimed at revolutionizing healthcare. But now we report that IBM is exploring a sale of the unit. So what happened? Digital science editor Daniela Hernandez joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New campaign finance data shows that employees of big tech companies were a key source of funding for Joe Biden's presidential campaign. Reporter Brody Mullins joins host Amanda Lewellyn to talk about how the finding turns traditional Democratic fundraising on its head. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For years, tech companies have been locked in a debate with publishers over whether they should have to pay for news content. This week, that debate has resulted in a deal between Google and News Corp, the publisher of The Wall Street Journal, as well as a news blackout on Facebook in Australia. Media reporter Keach Hagey joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain the big issues at play. 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

The age of audio-first social media is upon us. The buzziest player is Clubhouse, an invite-only app now in beta testing. Twitter is working on its own version, and Facebook is hot on their heels. On today's episode, Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern takes us on a tour and explains what the fuss is about. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In times of uncertainty, corporations usually spend less, not more, on risky venture-capital investments. But new data shows that in the pandemic, the trend has been reversed. WSJ Pro Venture Capital reporter Marc Vartabedian joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain why that is, and what the trend could mean for tech startups. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The U.S. is home to many of the world's largest tech companies, but the European Union has led the charge when it comes to setting global corporate-privacy standards. With several other countries looking to introduce their own measures or step up enforcement of existing measures, cybersecurity reporter David Uberti joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss the potential impact. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

E-commerce is exploding during the pandemic, but for customers, it can be hard to find the right fit without the luxury of a physical dressing room. That is leading to consumers returning clothes en masse. Reporter Suzanne Kapner joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain why that is a problem for retailers, and how they are turning to tech for solutions. 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

The pandemic has made it so that the internet plays an even greater role in how we live, work and learn. Recent actions from the Biden administration signal that we could see a return to net neutrality rules, policies aimed at creating more equal access to the internet. Reporter Drew FitzGerald joins host Amanda Lewellyn to trace net neutrality's history in previous administrations, and the impact of a return to the policies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first interplanetary probe from an Arab nation entered Mars orbit yesterday, and other countries are set to follow soon. Science writer Robert Lee Hotz joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss the achievement, and why so many countries are setting their sights on the Red Planet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has often advocated for cryptocurrencies, and now his company is following suit. In a filing Monday, the company revealed that it bought $1.5 billion in bitcoin, and that it was moving towards allowing customers to pay for its products with the cryptocurrency. Markets reporter Caitlin Ostroff joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain why Tesla is making the move, and what it could mean for bitcoin's future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amazon's business has benefited from strong demand from consumers during the pandemic. But moving into 2021, the e-commerce giant faces a potential headwind: Workers in an Alabama warehouse are set to begin voting Monday on whether to unionize. Reporter Sebastian Herrera joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain what's going on and what the move could mean for Amazon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some of the world's biggest automakers are cutting production, as a shortage of semiconductors squeezes their industry. Reporter Asa Fitch joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain why car makers are feeling the pain, and how other industries could be affected. 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

U.S. government and aerospace-industry officials are removing decades-old barriers between civilian and military space projects in response to escalating foreign threats in space. Senior special writer Andy Pasztor joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss the Pentagon and NASA's efforts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Along with its earnings report yesterday, Amazon included a surprise announcement: Founder Jeff Bezos is stepping down as CEO and transitioning into a role as executive chairman. Tech columnist Dan Gallagher will join host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss the news, and what it could mean for the company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2019, Facebook redesigned its flagship product to center on Groups, a feature that created forums for like-minded users interested in certain topics. But now the company is clamping down on Groups in the U.S., after research found that they have become a vector for rabid partisanship and even calls for violence. Reporter Jeff Horwitz joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai has bet big on artificial intelligence, expecting the technology to be central to Google's future. But outside of the technical challenges that come with developing the nascent technology, A.I. is shaping up to be one of Google's trickiest management challenges. Tech editor Brad Reagan joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apple is moving ahead with plans to introduce a new privacy feature that would give users more control over who has access to their data. While some are cheering the move, some businesses, including Facebook, are pushing back. Reporters Tim Higgins and Sarah Needleman join host Amanda Lewellyn to explain Facebook's concerns, and how this clash of tech giants could play out. 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

It's the biggest week for corporate earnings this quarter. On Wednesday, we heard from Apple, Facebook and Tesla. Heard on the Street columnist Dan Gallagher joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss the results, and what they tell us about how Big Tech has fared amid the pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shares of the videogame retailer GameStop are up more than 600% in the past two weeks, driven by individual investors encouraging each other to buy in on social media. But GameStop itself has been struggling for years, so why all the interest? Reporter Caitlin McCabe explains what is going on, and how the trend could impact the broader market. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Europe has been leading the push to regulate large technology companies, focusing on privacy and competition rules, and the U.S. also has been working to curb Big Tech's power. But recently, China has begun laying out guidelines as well. Tech reporter Sam Schechner joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss what China is proposing, and why it is acting now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As remote communication continues to be our primary way of working, some companies are turning to services that create virtual office spaces to beat Zoom fatigue. Meaning: you could sit at a virtual desk all day, or meet a colleague at the virtual water cooler. Tech columnist Christopher Mims visited one of these spaces, and he joins host Amanda Lewellyn to talk about what he saw. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Intel reported its full-year results on Thursday, capping off a lucrative but difficult year for the legacy chipmaker. Tech reporter Asa Fitch joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss the path forward for Intel under its new CEO. 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

Volkswagen is the world's largest automaker, so when it decided to push into electric vehicles, many thought it would easily overtake the competition. But several years into its efforts, that hasn't happened. Senior reporter William Boston joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain why that is, and what it tells us about incumbents' push into EVs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When social media first came on the scene, our feeds were all about reverse chronology: Posts were organized based on the order in which they were sent. Platforms said they introduced algorithms to help us sort through the noise, but as we now know, those algorithms have had much further-reaching implications. Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern explains how we got here and shares some ideas about potential solutions. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Social-media researchers work to keep track of extremist content on the internet, and they try to understand which ideas spread, how, and why. Ahead of the inauguration on Wednesday, cybersecurity reporter David Uberti discusses what researchers are seeing, and how the conversation has changed since the Capitol riot earlier this month. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CES, formerly known as the Consumer Electronics Show, is the world's largest tech show and a global crossroads for the tech industry. Personal tech columnists Nicole Nguyen and Joanna Stern tell host Amanda Lewellyn what they saw at this year's all-virtual event. 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

Interest in day trading has surged during the pandemic. Some of those new users are turning to communities on Twitter, Facebook, Discord and other platforms to share information and tips about where to invest. Markets reporter Caitlin McCabe explains what is behind the trend, and how it could impact the market. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act provides legal protections for internet companies as they moderate content. Some lawmakers are calling for those protections to be reformed or even repealed, with those calls growing louder since last week's riot at the U.S. Capitol. Reporter Heather Somerville joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain how Airbnb has relied on Section 230, and how changes to the law could have an impact far beyond social media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amazon, Apple, Google, Twitter, Facebook and other tech companies took unprecedented action to crack down on President Trump and the social platform Parler favored by his supporters, after five people died in riots at the Capitol last week. Tech policy reporter Ryan Tracy joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain how lawmakers and regulators may respond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The world's largest consumer-electronics show, CES, kicks off today. What's normally an experiential event, where conference attendees can test out all kinds of new technology, will be completely virtual. Personal tech editor Wilson Rothman explains how the show will be different and the potential impact on businesses. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the aftermath of Wednesday's riots at the Capitol, social-media companies took their strongest action to date against President Trump. But the tech companies have been under pressure to take this kind of action before. So why now? Global tech editor Jason Dean 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

The Trump administration has taken a hard line against China, with both sides ramping up restrictions on each other-and tech has been central in their relationship. Senior editor Bob Davis joins host Amanda Lewellyn to talk about the Biden administration's plans for China, and what they could mean for tech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a rare move for the tech industry, a group of about 200 Google employees are forming a union. Reporter Sarah Needleman explains what want, and how their effort fits into the rise in activism among tech workers. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Quibi said last year that it was shutting down its short-form video service after just six months. Now the company is in talks to sell its content catalog to the distributor Roku. Media reporter Benjamin Mullin joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain why Roku wants the content, and how a deal would fit into the broader streaming wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Messaging apps have become even more critical during the pandemic. We report that China is tightening its grip on the country's do-everything app, WeChat. Reporter Jing Yang joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain what the government is doing and the impact on users. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our personal tech team puts together a list every December of the technology they think will shape the year ahead. Columnists Joanna Stern, Christopher Mims and Nicole Nguyen join host Amanda Lewellyn to gaze into their crystal balls. 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

While it was a busy year on Earth, some of 2020's biggest stories took place out of this world, in space. Senior special writer Andy Pasztor joins host Amanda Lewellyn to look back at the year's biggest milestones in space travel and exploration, and he explains what to watch for beyond the horizon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was a landmark year for antitrust enforcement against Big Tech, with the government bringing a total of four cases targeting Google and Facebook. Legal affairs reporter Brent Kendall explains where things are now and how they could develop in the new year and beyond. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Figuring out how to price goods and services is always an experiment, but that can be especially true amid an economic downturn in an atypical year like this one. Our personal tech columnist Nicole Nguyen joins host Amanda Lewellyn to break down five strategies we saw in 2020, and how well they worked out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Figuring out how to price goods and services is always an experiment, but that can be especially true amid an economic downturn in an atypical year like this one. Our personal tech columnist Nicole Nguyen joins host Amanda Lewellyn to break down five strategies we saw in 2020, and how well they worked out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Roku acts as a distributor for streaming services. Media reporter Patience Haggin explains how the company has used its gatekeeper status to gain an edge in negotiations for content partnerships. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. 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

The Securities and Exchange Commission is suing the cryptocurrency pioneer Ripple, claiming the startup violated investor protection laws when it sold a digital asset called XRP. Reporter Paul Vigna explains how the dispute fits into a broader debate over regulating cryptocurrencies. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some high-profile executives and companies have departed Silicon Valley in recent months. Reporter Eliot Brown tells host Amanda Lewellyn about why the trend is actually years in the making, and how the exits could impact the area. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tesla is set to join the S&P 500 index, which is seen as a gauge of the broader stock market. Reporter Tim Higgins will explain what Tesla's inclusion on the index means for the company-and for electric vehicles more broadly. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A coalition of 38 states files antitrust charges against Google-the second major case of the week, and the third this year. Tech policy reporter Ryan Tracy joins us once again to break down the charges and explain how we got here. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. 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

A coalition of state attorneys general is suing Google in the third recent major antitrust action against big tech this year. Reporter Ryan Tracy joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain the charges, and how they fit in with other recent antitrust actions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The European Commission aims to give regulators more authority to oversee tech companies. Together with other regulations being considered in Europe, the proposals could precipitate the biggest expansion of global tech regulation in years. Reporter Sam Schechner joins to break down the proposals. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Russia's foreign intelligence service is suspected of being behind a major espionage operation that targeted U.S. federal government agencies, as well as other public and private entities. As the smoke clears, it appears the attack began as early as March, and that 18,000 public and private entities may have been exposed. Reporter Dustin Volz will explain what we know. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Intel used to be the dominant designer and manufacturer of the microchips that powered nearly all personal and cloud computing. But it's been losing ground to competitors for years. Tech columnist Christopher Mims joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain what the competition looks like now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this special episode, we bring you a conversation between WSJ Editor in Chief Matt Murray and Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, from the WSJ's CEO Council summit earlier this week. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. 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

The Federal Trade Commission, along with 46 states, sued Facebook on Wednesday, alleging that the social network engaged in a yearslong campaign to acquire or shut out nascent companies that might have become rivals. Legal affairs reporter Brent Kendall breaks down the charges. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Both DoorDash and Airbnb are going public this week, after boosting their price ranges in recent days. Markets reporter Maureen Farrell explains how the companies reached the milestone, and what the offerings tell us about the booming IPO market. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For years, some have raised concerns about the environmental and ethical implications of traditional meat production. Developers have been working on a slaughter-free meat alternative produced using cell-culture technology. Reporter Jacob Bunge joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain how the technology works, and what a recent approval in Singapore could mean for the widespread adoption of cell-grown meats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Salesforce has agreed to buy Slack for $27.7 billion. Reporter Aaron Tilley discusses how the deal would help both companies compete with rival Microsoft and how Salesforce could use Slack to position itself in a post-pandemic world. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

China is the world's largest smartphone producer, but increasing tensions between China and the U.S. have put that reputation in danger. WSJ video journalist Clément Bürge explains how India is plotting a path toward smartphone dominance. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. 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

Consumers in sub-Saharan Africa have been relying on their phones to pay for goods and services for more than a decade. Our reporter Alexandra Wexler explains how the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of these sorts of mobile payments. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Nasdaq has historically been the stock exchange of choice for tech companies. Tuesday, the exchange operator submitted a proposed rule to the SEC that would require companies listed on its exchange to have women, racial and ethnic minorities, and LGBTQ individuals on their boards. Reporter Alexander Osipovich explains how the rule could impact tech companies. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The price of Bitcoin set a new record Monday, capping off a year of strong gains. Reporter Anna Hirtenstein explains what is driving the surge. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Around 500 major undersea cables carry the world's digital data between data centers around the globe. Now Google is laying the groundwork for a new cable that would connect India and Europe. But while most cables linking Europe to Asia pass through Egypt, this one would go through historical enemies Saudi Arabia and Israel. Reporter Rory Jones explains Google's thinking. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this special episode of Tech News Briefing, we bring you a conversation between Personal Tech Editor Wilson Rothman and Virgin Hyperloop One CEO Jay Walder from WSJ's recent Future Of Transportation live event. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. 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

Every year, our Personal Tech team compiles a list of the best gadgets of the year, separating out the truly useful from the overhyped. This year, the list includes some very 2020-specific additions. Personal Tech Editor Wilson Rothman, Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern and Personal Tech Columnist Nicole Nguyen join host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss their favorites. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tech workers have been leaving the San Francisco Bay Area in droves, setting up camp in lower-cost locales to wait out the pandemic. Now some workers are also changing jobs, and taking a chance on opportunities outside of Silicon Valley. Reporter Katherine Bindley joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Connected cars are on the rise, and automakers are looking for ways to use the data they collect on how you use the vehicles. Now General Motors says it will offer car insurance that will determine customers' rates using data from its OnStar connected-car service. Reporter Mike Colias joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As coronavirus case counts continue to surge in the U.S., all eyes are on two promising vaccine candidates from drug companies Pfizer and Moderna. Both use a promising new gene-based technology called messenger RNA. Reporter Peter Loftus joins host Amanda Lewellyn for a look at how it works. 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

One of the biggest tech battles this year has been the fight over developer fees, the 30% cuts that Apple and Google take from transactions in their App Store. In the latest development, Apple says it will cut that fee in half for smaller developers. Reporter Tim Higgins explains how the action fits into the larger battle. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Contact-tracing could help slow the spread of the coronavirus. Tech companies have been working to automate parts of the contact tracing process, but the technology is only helpful if people actually use it. As it turns out, not many people are. Reporter Rolfe Winkler joins host Amanda Lewellyn to explain why that is. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As mainstream social-media companies ramp up restrictions on hate speech and misinformation on their platforms, some complain that the measures unfairly restrict conservatives. Reporter Jeff Horwitz explains how the libertarian social-media app Parler is rising as an alternative. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The stock market has become more bullish on tech stocks during the pandemic. Coupled with the reemergence of special-purpose acquisition companies, more tech startups are choosing to go public at a much earlier stage. WSJ Pro Venture Capital reporter Yuliya Chernova joins host Amanda Lewellyn to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The pandemic sparked demand for thermal imaging devices. We've seen them used in schools, offices, and other types of spaces to scan individuals' temperatures before they enter. But the security camera industry has raised concerns about the devices' accuracy, and they've asked the Food and Drug Administration for tighter regulations. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today is the U.S. government's deadline for TikTok to find an American buyer for its U.S. operations. But there's a lot still up in the air. Now, the Chinese-owned video-sharing app is asking for more time to work things out. Reporter Georgia Wells explains where things stand. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A confluence of regulation changes and technological advancements have made it so you don't have to be a big carrier to build a 5G network. Our tech columnist Christopher Mims explains how that's democratizing access to next-generation connectivity. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Earlier this year, the videoconferencing service Zoom experienced an astronomical rise to popularity. But with greater usership comes greater pressure to police content, and the company has caught some heat for its decisions to block certain public events. Reporter Aaron Tilley explains. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pollsters have had trouble getting an accurate understanding of the electorate in recent years. Now some experts say artificial intelligence could help fill in some of the gaps. WSJ Pro AI reporter Jared Council joins the show to discuss. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Quibi, the erstwhile short-form video service, was supposed to revolutionize Hollywood, but just six months after it launched, executives shut it down. Reporter Benjamin Mullin joins us to explain why it failed, and what Quibi's story tells us about the increasingly crowded streaming landscape. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. 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

The Chinese fintech giant Ant Group was expected to go public today, but regulators pulled the plug at the 11th hour. Finance Editor Charles Forrelle joins to explain what happened and why you should be paying attention. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Election Day in the U.S. has passed, and false and misleading posts are still circulating on social media despite measures to cut back on misinformation. Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern gives her tips on how to navigate the internet in the days following the election. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While cybersecurity issues haven't been major talking points in the U.S. presidential candidates' stump speeches, how the next administration proceeds on various cyber-related issues could have major consequences for our digital future. Cybersecurity reporter David Uberti explains. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As California voters go to the polls and mail in their ballots, they're being asked to vote on Proposition 22, a ballot initiative so heavily supported by big companies in the gig economy that it has become the most expensive in California state history. Reporter Preetika Rana explains how the outcome could have a massive impact for companies like Uber, Lyft and DoorDash. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The semiconductor industry has been in a merger frenzy lately. Reporter Asa Fitch explains why all the deal activity is happening now. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Trenae Nuri produced the show this week, and 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

Travel ground to a halt at the outset of the pandemic. That could have spelled the end for Airbnb. But we report that under the leadership of CEO Brian Chesky, the company is set to report a surprise profit in the third quarter. Reporter Preetika Rana explains how he did it. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The CEOs of Facebook, Twitter and Google are set to appear before the Senate Commerce Committee, where they will face questions about how their platforms treat politically charged content. Tech policy reporter Ryan Tracy discusses what to expect from today's hearing. Kateri Jochum hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Facebook has used internal tools to quell civil unrest around elections in countries it considers to be "at risk," such as Sri Lanka and Myanmar. Now the WSJ reports the company is preparing for the possibility of deploying those tools in the U.S. Reporter Jeff Horwitz joins host Kateri Jochum to discuss what that would look like. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, a conversation between LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman, Co-Director of the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence Fei-Fei Li, and WSJ Pro AI reporter Jared Council about how to build tools for the future and take ethics into account. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The pandemic has exacerbated the digital divide: who has access to the internet, and who doesn't. On today's episode, FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel and Black Girls Code Founder and CEO Kimberly Bryant discuss how the public and private sectors can work together to democratize access to tech. Chief Economics Commentator Greg Ip moderates. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Production assistance from Trenae Nuri. Kateri Jochum is the executive producer of WSJ Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Earlier this week, the Justice Department dropped its long-awaited antitrust lawsuit against Google, alleging that Google illegally uses anticompetitive methods to protect its monopoly on search and search advertising. At our annual Tech Live conference, our Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern asked former Google CEO Eric Schmidt for his thoughts. Plus, they talk about how big tech should use its power to transform healthcare and education. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The DOJ has filed a long-awaited antitrust lawsuit against Google, alleging that the company engaged in anticompetitive conduct to preserve monopolies in search and search-advertising. Reporter Brent Kendall explains. Plus: at our Tech Live Conference, IBM's newly-appointed CEO Arvind Krishna tells our global tech editor Jason Dean how he plans to reshape the legacy company into a major player in artificial intelligence and quantum computing. Listeners can still register for Tech Live at techlive.wsj.com/registernow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our annual Tech Live conference has begun. On today's show: a town-hall style debate between Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI), Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO), Microsoft Chief Privacy Officer Julie Brill, and Director of the Stanford Internet Observatory Alex Stamos on whether and how to regulate Big Tech. Listeners can tune in and register at techlive.wsj.com/registernow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Day 1 of The Wall Street Journal's annual Tech Live conference, where we talk to movers and shakers in the tech sector. Normally, we hold the event in Laguna Beach, Calif., but like so much else, this year it's going virtual. Global tech editor Jason Dean tells host Amanda Lewellyn what to expect. Listeners can tune in and register at techlive.wsj.com/registernow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Twitter and Facebook took steps this week to limit the spread of New York Post articles that made allegations about Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, which the campaign disputes. Now lawmakers say they will subpoena Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey to ask about it. Global Tech Editor Jason Dean breaks down the controversy, and why it's resurfacing a debate about the companies' roles in moderating content. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Christopher Zinsli is our supervising producer. Kateri Jochum is the executive producer of WSJ podcasts. News Corp, owner of The Wall Street Journal, has a commercial agreement to supply news through Facebook. Dow Jones & Co., publisher of The Wall Street Journal, has a commercial agreement to supply video content through Twitter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As tech workers pack their bags and decamp to cheaper cities to work remotely during the pandemic, some companies are adjusting compensation to reflect workers' new, lower costs of living. Reporter Katherine Bindley discusses how that's creating some tension. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apple is rolling out four models of its new iPhone 12. The phones promise an updated design, improved cameras-and 5G capability. Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern weighs in on whether that's enough to warrant an upgrade. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Prime Day is typically held in the summer to help Amazon drum up business during the slower months. This year, the company pushed it back to keep up with the pandemic-related surge in orders. Despite that, analysts think this year's event could lead to a record-breaking fourth quarter for the company. Reporter Sebastian Herrera explains. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Social-media companies are taking steps to cut back on misinformation ahead of the U.S. election, including limiting state-run media sites like RT, formerly known as Russia Today. But we report that some of those outlets have still been picking up traffic using content recommendation services. Reporter Emily Glazer explains. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Demand for batteries is through the roof, but that might not be the case forever. Tech columnist Christopher Mims says the future of computing might be heavy on perpetual computing machines, which harvest energy from their environments. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. 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

We've been digging into the House Antitrust Subcommittee's 449-page report, concluding its investigation into big tech. Yesterday, we looked at the broad strokes-and today we're going to go deeper on what the report says about Amazon. Tech editor Bradley Olson helps us do it. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The House Antitrust Subcommittee has completed its investigation into Facebook, Apple, Amazon and Google, concluding that some of America's largest technology companies have leveraged their dominance to stamp out competition and stifle innovation. Reporter Ryan Tracy explains. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After President Trump and several other White House figures were diagnosed with the coronavirus, many aides have been sent to work from home. But getting the White House WFH-ready comes with challenges all its own. Reporter David Uberti explains. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we spend more time online during the pandemic, the conspiracy theory QAnon has been gaining followers. Now, we report that supporters have made their way to LinkedIn. Reporter Stu Woo explains what's happening, how LinkedIn is responding, and why it can be so difficult for the company to track and remove QAnon-related content. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been a record year for wildfires on the West Coast. That's why some firefighters are using artificial intelligence to help them battle the flames. Deputy Editor of WSJ Pro Artificial Intelligence John McCormick explains. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. 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

A Twitter data partner, Dataminr, sells a service to law enforcement and other agencies that monitors Twitter's full feed and sends alerts that include tweets about protests. That has the companies at odds with privacy advocates over what level of social-media monitoring qualifies as surveillance. Reporter Parmy Olson explains. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In recent days, ransomware attacks have affected schools and one of the country's largest hospital systems. Our reporter Robert McMillan says the attacks are part of a larger trend of hackers targeting critical institutions-not just big businesses. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week, a hacker released a trove of confidential information about students and employees in a Las Vegas-area school district, after officials there had refused to pay a ransom. And they aren't the only school to be targeted during the pandemic. Reporter Tawnell Hobbs explains why hackers have been going after schools, and why it's challenging for educators to fight back. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Developer fees: They're the cut that Apple takes when you buy an app from its App Store, or if you make a purchase within an app. Apple says the fees help it do things like provide security, but developers have long argued that the fees are too high. On Friday, the company made some exceptions to who has to pay them. Reporter Sarah E. Needleman explains. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For decades, Moore's Law held that the number of transistors on a microchip would double every 18 months or so. But physics has gotten in the way. Now: our tech columnist Christopher Mims argues that we should be observing a new law, which he's calling Huang's Law - named for Jensen Huang, C.E.O. and cofounder of Nvidia. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Kateri Jochum is the executive producer of WSJ podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amazon has been coming under scrutiny for its treatment of third-party sellers on its platform. The latest: a Wall Street Journal investigation has uncovered that Amazon limits some competitors' ability to promote their products on its platform. Our reporter Dana Mattioli explains. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nikola is a rising star in the electric vehicle space. But in recent weeks, allegations have surfaced that Nikola's founder and executive chairman Trevor Milton made misleading claims about the company's technology. Things reached a fever pitch earlier this week, when Milton stepped down from his position at the company. Reporter Ben Foldy fills us in. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Countries have been making moves to treat citizens' data as a national security issue. But the effect has been a more Balkanized internet. Reporter Aaron Tilley explains. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the weekend, President Trump signed off on a deal between TikTok, Oracle, and Walmart. Reporter Alex Leary helps us break down what's in the deal, and how it compares to the administration's original demands. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The switch to remote learning hasn't been smooth. One part of the curriculum that has gotten muddled along the way is social and emotional learning, or SEL. It comes at a time when there have never been more stressors on children. Family and tech columnist Julie Jargon explains. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. 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

As part of an ongoing election series, The Wall Street Journal is breaking down how President Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden compare on major policy issues. Today we look at the candidates' tech policies. Reporter Ryan Tracy guides us through where the candidates agree―and where they diverge. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apple unveiled a host of new products and services at its annual special event yesterday. Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern breaks down what we did (and didn't) see, and what it means for consumers. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the weekend, we found out that Oracle has struck up a partnership with TikTok for the video-sharing company's U.S. operations. At first glance, it might seem like TikTok and Oracle are an unlikely pairing. But the two companies have more in common than you might think. Reporter Aaron Tilley explains. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As CEO of Google parent Alphabet, Sundar Pichai leads one of the most powerful companies in the world. But he also is more low-key than many other Silicon Valley tech leaders. Reporter Rob Copeland takes us on a deep dive into Pichai's past, and what it could tell us about Alphabet's future. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For months, thousands of people have been receiving packages containing unmarked or mislabeled plant seeds that they didn't order. Reporter Jesse Newman breaks down the regulatory whodunit. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. 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

Ireland's data protection authority has issued a preliminary order to Facebook, seeking to enforce a European Union ruling on data-sharing restrictions. Reporter Sam Schechner explains how the outcome could change the way tech companies operate across borders. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

China has rolled out an initiative to set global data-security standards, in response to U.S. efforts to shut Chinese tech out of its internet infrastructure. It's the latest incident in rising tensions between China and the U.S. Senior editor Bob Davis explains why the back and forth between the two countries so often centers on tech. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's special episode, our columnist John D. Stoll interviews Peloton C.E.O. and cofounder John Foley. They talk about Peloton's just-announced new line of products, how the company has fared during the pandemic, and why it's important for Peloton that Wall Street sees it as a tech company. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Less than two months from the November election, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced new measures meant to combat misinformation and the potential for civil unrest. Reporter Jeff Horwitz explains. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. 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

New rules from China restrict exports of artificial intelligence, which could include TikTok's core recommender algorithm. The news has thrown ongoing deal talks between the video-sharing app and several U.S. companies into question. But what's so special about TikTok's algorithm, anyway? Reporter Aaron Tilley explains. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amazon has been pushing to use drones in package deliveries for years. Reporter Sebastian Herrera explains how a key approval from the Federal Aviation Administration has brought the company one step closer to making that a reality for consumers. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Spurred by BP's Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010, researchers have been working on new, tech-powered ways to clean up oil spills. Reporter Eric Sylvers explains what they've come up with, and why it's so hard to implement. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Farms have made use of various tech advancements in recent years: everything from self-driving tractors to genetic engineering for hardier plants. Reporter Jacob Bunge talks about one part of the industry that is working to combine data analytics and e-commerce to make farming more efficient. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tech companies' share prices are skyrocketing, and some companies are enacting stock splits to make it easier for investors to buy shares at a lower cost. Reporter Michael Wursthorn explains what you need to know. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Kateri Jochum is the executive producer of WSJ podcasts. Christopher Zinsli is our supervising producer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As thousands of students across the country return to campuses, colleges and universities are trying to figure out how to share important health data without violating students' privacy. Reporter David Uberti explains why their solutions are so varied. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Algorithms are everywhere, helping to do things like determine who gets loans and what content shows up in your search results. But what happens when those algorithms contain biases? WSJ Pro reporter Jared Council explains "algorithmic bias," and how some companies are trying to root it out. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Trump signed an executive order earlier this month that would effectively ban TikTok if it doesn't find a buyer for its U.S. operations. Now TikTok has filed suit in response. Reporter Katy Stech Ferek explains. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of new technologies, especially automation. While that's made it easier for white-collar workers to adjust in the pandemic-it could eliminate a lot of low- and middle-income jobs even after we've recovered. Tech columnist Christopher Mims explains. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, our business columnist John D. Stoll interviews Facebook C.O.O. Sheryl Sandberg. Since we're coming up on an election, they talk about Facebook's role in policing content and providing voting information. Stoll also probes Sandberg's political ambitions. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Chris Zinsli is our supervising producer. Kateri Jochum is the executive producer of audio at WSJ. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many groups are conducting most of their day-to-day workplace communications over services like Slack and Teams. But it can be hard to eke out your colleague's intended meaning over text. Reporter Chip Cutter discusses how, in some cases, things have gotten out of hand. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Justice Department has been investigating Google's competitive practices, and we've reported it aims to file a suit by this summer. Now we report that some department staffers are concerned about that timeline and want to pump the brakes. Reporter Brent Kendall explains. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shutdown orders have forced much of our daily lives online. A new Wall Street Journal analysis provides insight into how we're spending our time online, and what that means for internet providers. Our reporter Lillian Rizzo explains. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The videogame maker Epic Games mounted a fight against developer fees, the fees that Apple and Google charge developers to distribute their software and process in-app purchases. The back-and-forth last week ended with Epic suing the tech giants. Reporter Sarah Needleman explains. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week, President Trump signed an executive order restricting dealings with the social-media app WeChat. Now major U.S. companies are pushing back. Reporter John McKinnon explains why they're going to bat for a Chinese app, and how the tensions fit into the fight for internet dominance. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. 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

Before she was the Democratic Party's presumptive vice presidential candidate, Senator Kamala Harris built her career in the Bay Area. She has a long history with Silicon Valley. So what does her candidacy mean for tech companies, and how are they reacting? Our reporter Sarah Needleman joins us to explain. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first quarter, tech investor SoftBank reported its worst financial results ever. Now it's swung back into the black, recording a profit of nearly $12 billion. Reporter Rolfe Winkler explains how the company did it. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Several high-profile attacks have renewed some lawmakers' push for a director of cybersecurity at the White House level. Our reporter Dave Uberti explains what they're calling for, and why now. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been nearly a decade since Tim Cook succeeded founder Steve Jobs as the C.E.O. of Apple. While Jobs was known as a visionary and a gregarious leader, Cook is more reserved and business-focused. Our reporter Tripp Mickle joins us with a look at Tim Cook's Apple: where it's been, and where it's headed. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Services from Robinhood, Fidelity, and others are making it easier to buy slivers of shares on the stock market. Our reporter Alexander Osipovich joins us to explain how that's democratizing trading - and how it could be helping to drive up shares of major tech companies. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Kateri Jochum is the executive producer of WSJ Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After years of keeping security researchers at bay, election equipment makers are opening their devices to hackers to try and uncover vulnerabilities ahead of the election. Our reporter Robert McMillan joins again to explain what's going on. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last month, hackers broke into dozens of major Twitter accounts, pushed a bitcoin scam, and - in some cases - downloaded users' data and DMs. According to prosecutors, a Florida teenager was behind it. Our reporter Robert McMillan explains how he allegedly did it. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Talks between Microsoft and the Chinese-owned video app TikTok are in limbo after a regulatory rollercoaster last weekend. In the meantime, the question is: why is Microsoft so interested in TikTok anyway? And how would any deal fit into Microsoft's recent string of acquisitions? Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As of Friday, it looked like the video-sharing app TikTok had come up with a plan to save itself from regulatory scrutiny. Then, everything changed, and it looked like we were headed for an all-out ban. Our reporter Georgia Wells breaks down what happened, and where we are now. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Facebook, Amazon, Apple, and Google reported their quarterly earnings on Thursday. Just a day after CEOs from those companies faced questions from Congress over their companies' business practices. Our Global Tech Editor Jason Dean joins to break down the week. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Kateri Jochum is our executive producer, and Chris Zinsli is our supervising producer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, NASA is expected to head to the red planet. If everything goes as planned, it'll be the third launch from Earth to Mars this summer alone. Our science writer Robert Lee Hotz explains the mission, and why Mars is such a popular destination lately. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Four of the most powerful CEOs in tech are scheduled to testify before the House Antitrust Subcommittee today, and it's expected to be a blockbuster hearing. Our reporter Ryan Tracy breaks down what you need to know ahead of time. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As companies all over the country are grappling with when to return to the office, Google executives have decided to wait until next year. Our reporter Rob Copeland breaks down what that means for Google - and the rest of Silicon Valley. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're less than 100 days from the presidential election. As we get closer, local officials have been working on their cyber defenses. Cybersecurity reporter David Uberti explains how states are gearing up, and why coordinating their response is so challenging. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We report that Amazon met with startups about investing, and then launched their own, competing products. The news comes just days before CEO Jeff Bezos is set to testify before Congress in a hearing about antitrust concerns. Reporter Dana Mattioli joins us to explain. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Correction: When it invested in DefinedCrowd, Amazon's Alexa Fund gained access to DefinedCrowd's financials and other confidential information. A previous version of this podcast incorrectly said Amazon gained access to those details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the companies that make remote-work software, the competition is fierce. Now, Slack has formally accused Microsoft of throwing some elbows in its fight to the top. It filed an antitrust complaint against Microsoft in the EU. Reporter Sam Schechner joins us to explain. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tesla is set to report its earnings this afternoon. While analysts are forecasting a loss, CEO Elon Musk has been known to throw a last-minute Hail Mary. Stocks have been on a tear in anticipation. Our reporter Tim Higgins joins to explain what you need to know in advance. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

School districts are getting ready for another semester of online learning. This time, they're hoping to take a red pen to some of the mistakes they made in the fall. Family and tech columnist Julie Jargon will join us to explain. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 they also sell that information to the government. Our reporter Byron Tau explains. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hackers have been targeting the research institutions working on treatments and vaccines for the novel coronavirus. Now some officials in the U.S. and the U.K. are pointing the finger at a Russian-backed group that was implicated in the hacking of the 2016 election. Reporter Jenny Strasburg explains why that's significant. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 been prioritizing YouTube over competitors in its search results. Reporter Sam Schechner explains. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 British government, and it represents a significant victory for the U.S.'s campaign against Huawei. Our U.K. editor Stephen Fidler explains. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 isn't over yet. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 columnist Christopher Mims joins us to explain. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 internet at home. Our reporter James Rundle explains how leaders in Chicago have come up with a plan to expand broadband access-and close the digital divide. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Production assistance from Nora Eckert. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chinese company TikTok is best known as a place for lighthearted entertainment videos. But as it expands into new markets, the company is permitting more political content. Our reporter Georgia Wells explains why. Plus, reporter Jeff Horwitz breaks down what auditors found in a review of Facebook's policies around civil rights. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

China has imposed a new national-security law on Hong Kong, requiring authorities there to more closely supervise and control internet speech. Reporter Newley Purnell joins us from Hong Kong to explain the new law-and how tech companies are reacting. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 billion dollar all-stock deal. Our reporter Heather Haddon explains what the deal means for the sector. Amanda Lewellyn hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Usually, big earthquakes are the ones that capture our attention. But scientists recently uncovered new details about a mysterious group of tremors-called swarms-that might be key to understanding all earthquakes. And they used artificial intelligence to do it. Daniela Hernandez explains. Kateri Jochum hosts. Amanda Lewellyn is our producer. Production assistance from Nora Eckert. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 any big purchases. Kateri Jochum hosts. Amanda Lewellyn is our producer. Production assistance from Nora Eckert. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Protests against public health officials are ramping up from those who oppose social distancing measures or wearing masks. And Facebook has been a critical tool for them, as they organize their demonstrations and live-stream protests from outside officials' homes. But critics say it's also contributed to the misinformation that's stoking this movement. Jeffrey Horowitz explains. Kateri Jochum hosts. Amanda Lewellyn is our producer. Production assistance from Nora Eckert. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A pair of bloggers wrote some negative posts about eBay. Then, they started receiving ominous packages of cockroaches and funeral wreaths. Next, they realized they were being followed. A criminal investigation found that it was all part of an alleged harassment campaign that came from high within eBay's ranks. Kirsten Grind explains. Kateri Jochum hosts. Amanda Lewellyn is our producer. Production assistance from Nora Eckert. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices