Tech News Briefing
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Social-Media Watchdogs Monitor Extremist Chatter Ahead of Inauguration
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.
What Happened at This Year's All-Virtual CES
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.
Social Media Is the New Wall Street Trading Desk
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.
What Airbnb Has to Do With Section 230
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 Some lawmakers are calling for those protections to be reformed or even repealed, with those calls growing louder since last week's riot at the U.S. Capitol.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.
Capitol Riot Puts More Scrutiny on Big Tech
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.
What to Expect at This Year's All-Virtual CES
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.
Facebook and Twitter Blocked Trump's Accounts. Why Now?
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.
What Biden's Approach to China Could Mean for Tech
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.
Why Google Employees Are Pushing to Unionize
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.
Why Roku Wants Quibi's Content Catalog
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.