Tech News Briefing
RECENT EPISODES
Tech Companies Seek to Combat Bias in Algorithms
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.
Why TikTok Is Suing the Trump Administration
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.
How Covid-19 Is Exacerbating Workforce Inequality
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.
Sheryl Sandberg On Facebook and Elections (Special Episode)
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.
Slack and Teams Make Work-From-Home Easier-But Sometimes, Less Civil
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.
Disagreement Inside the D.O.J. Over Possible Google Antitrust Suit
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.
How Our Internet Habits Have Changed in the Pandemic
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.
An Epic Fight: How the 'Fortnite' Creator is Taking on Apple, Google
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.
Why Businesses Are Pushing Back on WeChat Restrictions
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.
What Kamala Harris's V.P. Candidacy Could Mean for Tech
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.