TikTok Still Fills Teens Feeds With Dark Content
Montana’s Governor signed the county’s first statewide ban of TikTok on Tuesday. And calls are growing to ban the app nationwide. But a bigger worry for parents may be the dark content the app serves up to teens. TikTok says it has a content-moderation team of more than 40,000 people and removes posts that violate its community guidelines. However, a recent study shows teen users are still bein...
13m May 18, 2023
13m
OpenAI Boss Calls for AI Safety Standards at Senate Hearing
 Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI the company behind ChatGPT, told lawmakers they should create licensing and safety standards for advanced artificial intelligence systems . But Congress has historically had a tough time when it comes to regulating technology. WSJ tech policy reporter Ryan Tracy joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what happened during the Senate subcommittee hearing.  Learn more abou...
12m May 17, 2023
12m
Elon Musk Is Running Twitter Like SpaceX. Will It Work?
Elon Musk is trying to run his social media company, Twitter, like his rocket company, SpaceX. WSJ aerospace reporter Micah Maidenberg joins host Zoe Thomas to explain the leadership structure and management choices at both operations. Plus, tech reporter Sarah Needleman discusses what the EU approval of Microsoft's plan to buy Activision Blizzard means for the deal. Learn more about your ad c...
12m May 16, 2023
12m
Apple Takes New Approach With Mixed-Reality Headset
Elon Musk has named a new CEO to replace him at Twitter. WSJ reporter Alexa Corse joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why he chose an advertising exec. Plus, WSJ reporter Aaron Tilley explains why Apple is breaking its own rules for product debuts with the launch of a new headset. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m May 15, 2023
12m
Social-Media Shopping Scams Target Young People
A growing number of young people are being hit by online shopping scams that originated on social media. WSJ family and tech columnist Julie Jargon joins host Zoe Thomas to explain what victims have gone through and how to protect yourself. Plus, WSJ gaming reporter Sarah Needleman explains why designing for avatars may be the next style trend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone...
12m May 12, 2023
12m
Google Takes On Rivals in AI and Foldable Devices
Google is making a show of force to its rivals in the hardware and artificial-intelligence sectors. At its developer conference, the company unveiled its new AI search feature and announced plans for other AI tools. WSJ Google reporter Miles Kruppa breaks down the announcements, and WSJ personal tech columnist Nicole Nguyen discusses Google’s new Pixel Fold. Zoe Thomas hosts. Learn more about ...
14m May 11, 2023
14m
Virgin Galactic Struggles to Launch Its Space Tourism Business
Billionaire Richard Branson founded Virgin Galactic nearly two decades ago. But despite sending him to the edge of space and selling tickets to would-be space tourists, the company has struggled to launch its commercial space flights. Now it says it's ready to do so. WSJ aerospace reporter Micah Maidenberg joins host Zoe Thomas to explain what’s behind the delay. Learn more about your ad choic...
12m May 10, 2023
12m
Will AI Gold Rush Lead Investors to Risky Bets?
The potential of generative artificial intelligence has venture capitalists racing to invest. But in their rush to get in on the ground floor, are investors making the mistakes of the past? WSJ startups reporter Berber Jin joins host Zoe Thomas to explain. Plus, reporter Miles Kruppa discusses Google’s new approach to presenting search results. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megapho...
11m May 09, 2023
11m
TikTok Users Who Watched Gay Content Put on List, Former Staff Says
For at least a year, some employees at TikTok were able to access what they described internally as a list of users who watched gay content on the app, according to former employees. TikTok says it's changed the way it handles this kind of data. But this is an unusual practice among tech companies and it's adding to questions about the company's handling of user information. WSJ social media r...
15m May 08, 2023
15m
Lawmakers Fight for Child Vloggers to Be Compensated
For children who appear in monetized content online, like vlogs and social media posts, there are currently no laws to protect them or ensure they get a cut of the money they help earn. Now, some state lawmakers are fighting to change that. Tech News Briefing producer Zoe Kuhlkin joins host Zoe Thomas to explain why Illinois may be the first state to cross the finish line. Learn more about you...
12m May 05, 2023
12m
Meta Faces New Sanctions; Political Turmoil Hits Tech Hub
The FTC proposes barring Meta’s from earning money on the data it collects on young users. TikTok launches a new advertising product. Also, Israel’s tech sector says political turmoil in the country is making it hard to raise money. WSJ reporter Dov Lieber joins host Zoe Thomas from Tel Aviv to explain the impact the unrest is having on “startup nation.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
13m May 04, 2023
13m
Uber Picks Up More Riders, Bluesky Adds Users and A.I. for Daily Tasks
Marissa Mayer, CEO of Sunshine, says artificial intelligence can be used to help improve more mundane tasks. The former Yahoo boss spoke at this year’s WSJ Future of Everything Festival. Plus, why users are flocking to Bluesky Social as an alternative to Twitter. Zoe Thomas hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m May 03, 2023
13m
Your AI Clone Can Fool Family, Your Bank, But Not Your Video Meeting
You can pay companies to create video and audio versions of yourself using generative artificial intelligence. But how well does it work? WSJ senior personal tech columnist Joanna Stern joins host Zoe Thomas to explain what it was like to work with her AI clone, and why it has her worried.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11m May 02, 2023
11m
Apple Partnership was “Kiss of Death” Smaller Rivals Claim
Smaller rivals say meeting with Apple ended with the tech giant releasing products that resemble their own. Some say Apple used the U.S. patent system to avoid having to pay for using their technology. Apple says it doesn’t steal technology and plays by the rules. WSJ Apple reporter Aaron Tilley joins host Zoe Thomas to explain what’s going on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone...
14m May 01, 2023
14m
How to Secure Your Digital Life Before You Die
Your digital footprint lives on after you pass away. WSJ family and tech columnist Julie Jargon joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the best way to pass on access to your emails, photos and online accounts. Plus, WSJ Heard on the Street columnist Dan Gallagher explains what this week’s tech earnings say about the health of the sector. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Apr 28, 2023
13m
Regulator Blocks Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard Deal
U.K. antitrust regulator rejects Microsoft’s $75 billion deal to buy game maker Activision Blizzard, saying it would hurt competition in videogame industry. WSJ reporter Kim Mackrael joins host Zoe Thomas to explain the regulator’s reasoning and what happens next.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10m Apr 27, 2023
10m
Lyft to Cut at Least 1,200 Jobs, Struggles to Keep Up with Rival Uber
Ride-hailing company Lyft plans to cut at least 30% of its workforce. It comes days after a new CEO officially took over. Can the changes and new leadership help Lyft compete with its biggest rival Uber? WSJ ride-hailing reporter Preetika Rana joins host Zoe Thomas to explain what’s going on inside Lyft. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Apr 26, 2023
12m
What’s Going on With Twitter’s Blue Check Marks?
Twitter is changing which users get blue check marks. Some celebrities have lost then regained them, despite claiming they aren’t paying for Twitter’s new subscription program. WSJ’s Twitter reporter Alexa Corse joins host Zoe Thomas. Plus, Apple scores a legal win and Lyft plans for more layoffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11m Apr 25, 2023
11m
When AI Gets It Wrong, Who’s on the Hook?
Generative artificial-intelligence chatbots like ChatGPT are known to get things wrong sometimes, a process known as “hallucinating.” But can anyone be held liable if those incorrect responses are damaging in some way? Host Zoe Thomas talks to a legal expert and an AI ethicist to explore the legal landscape for generative AI technology, and the tactics companies are employing to improve their p...
22m Apr 24, 2023
22m
iPhone Security Feature Helps Criminals Lock Users Out of Accounts
Thieves in cities across the U.S. who steal iPhone passcodes along with the devices, are also using another Apple security feature to lock victims out of their accounts. The victims say they have no way to regain access to years of photos and other personal data. WSJ personal tech columnist Nicole Nguyen joins host Zoe Thomas to explain how this crime works and why it’s so devastating. Learn ...
13m Apr 21, 2023
13m
Some Wanna-Be Influencers Pivot to Making Others Famous
A growing number of people who once chased social media stardom are turning to new roles, helping others become influencers. And the opportunities for social media support staff may only just be taking off. Host Zoe Thomas speaks with one person who’s turned their supporting role into a six figure salary and to WSJ reporter Kailyn Rhone about why more people are choosing careers behind the came...
12m Apr 20, 2023
12m
To Become a Tech Hub, Tulsa Recruits Ukrainian Workers
Oklahoma businesses are recruiting Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s invasion. They hope the new workers will turn Tusla into a regional tech hub. WSJ immigration reporter Alicia Caldwell joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how they are doing it and what it’s like for the new arrivals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Apr 19, 2023
12m
The Unexpected Reason iPhones Dominate the Market
Apple controls more than half of the U.S. smartphone market. One big reason for that dominance isn't the company’s marketing strategy or its cool factor among young people. Instead, it's got to do with how long iPhones hang around in the market. WSJ tech columnist Christopher Mims joins host Zoe Thomas to explain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Apr 18, 2023
13m
Artists Worry About Survival as AI Changes the Game for Creative Work
The threat that technology will replace workers is something more people are grappling with due to the introduction of new tools powered by generative artificial intelligence. Creative workers like artists, writers, and filmmakers are among those raising the loudest alarm. But is their concern warranted? And what impact could AI have on the future workforce? Join us for the third episode of our...
18m Apr 17, 2023
18m
What’s Slowing Down Self-Driving Car Technology?
Car and tech companies have promised for years that fully self-driving cars were just around the corner. But experts say the technology is far from where it needs to be to fully replace drivers. Bart Ziegler, who wrote about self-driving tech for the WSJ's Journal Reports, joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what is pumping the brakes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Apr 14, 2023
12m
Virtual Reality Helps Trauma Patients Confront Fears
Virtual reality can help transport users to new worlds. But a growing number of doctors are using it to help patients confront trauma in therapy. WSJ health reporter Brianna Abbott joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how doctors are individualizing VR scenarios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14m Apr 13, 2023
14m
Moms Push for New Laws Making Social Media Sites More Accountable
A group of mothers, who say their sons’ and daughters' lives were devastated by social media, is pushing for new laws that would hold the platforms accountable. But efforts to force social media companies to do more to protect minors from harm online have not made much progress in Congress. WSJ tech policy reporter Ryan Tracy joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why this group thinks their efforts ...
12m Apr 12, 2023
12m
Uber’s CEO Became a Driver and Learned a Lot
After five years leading Uber, the company’s CEO Dara Khosrowshahi decided to get into the driver's seat last September. WSJ ride-hail and food delivery reporter Preetika Rana joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what Khosrowshahi learned and how it’s helping Uber win over drivers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Apr 11, 2023
13m
AI Hallucinations to Befriending Chatbots: Your Questions Answered
There is so much changing in artificial intelligence right now and generative AI is raising a lot of new questions. WSJ tech reporter Karen Hao joins host Zoe Thomas to answer listener questions on AI. This is the second episode of Tech News Breifing’s series “Artificially Minded”. New episodes drop every Monday in April. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
18m Apr 10, 2023
18m
The Hottest Tech Topics Among Older Adults
A retirement community in Lancaster, Pa., is integrating tech more and more into the lives of their residents, proving what experts on aging have been saying for years: Older adults are just as keen on new technologies as anyone else. WSJ family and tech columnist Julie Jargon joins host Julie Chang to talk about what tech appeals most to older adults and why. Learn more about your ad choices....
10m Apr 07, 2023
10m
How the CEO of OpenAI Is Navigating Development and Risk
Sam Altman the CEO of startup OpenAI is navigating the challenges of being at the forefront of the most buzzed about technologies in decades. WSJ tech reporter Berber Jin joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how he’s balancing the speed of development with the risks raised by artificial intelligence technology. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Apr 06, 2023
12m
Should Digital Devices Be Given Genders?
Is it a good idea to give robots traditionally male or female names and voices? Some researchers say that reinforces stereotypes. But a new paper explains there could be an upside to doing it. Chris Kornelis, who wrote about this for WSJ’s Journal Reports, joins host Zoe Thomas to explain the pros and cons of gendering machines.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10m Apr 05, 2023
10m
Apple Tries to Improve Streaming for Classic Music Fans
Fans of classical music have long complained that streaming services don't make it easy to find their favorite pieces. Apple has set out to fix the issues. WSJ Science of Success columnist Ben Cohen joins host Zoe Thomas to explain how the problem arose and what it means for the future of search. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11m Apr 04, 2023
11m
Artificial Intelligence 101: Why It’s Different This Time
There is so much being said about artificial intelligence these days. In order to understand this latest wave of AI, it is important to know how it works and why this moment is different from developments in the past. WSJ science reporter Eric Niiler joins host Zoe Thomas for the first installment of Tech News Briefing’s special series Artificially Minded. New episodes drop every Monday in Apri...
15m Apr 03, 2023
15m
U.S. Military Prepares for Space Warfare with New Tech
The Pentagon is gearing up for a future conflict in space. It comes as China and Russia deploy missiles and lasers that can take out satellites and disrupt military and civilian communications. WSJ aerospace and defense industry reporter Doug Cameron joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how the U.S. military is preparing for potential threats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/a...
13m Mar 31, 2023
13m
Hospital ‘Black Boxes’: the New Tech in Operating Rooms
Hospitals are turning to new technology that allows them to record everything going on in the operating room. These new surgical “black boxes” offer insight on how to improve medical outcomes but what are their downsides? Barbara Sadick, who wrote about this for the WSJ's Journal Reports, joins host Zoe Thomas to explain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14m Mar 30, 2023
14m
Samsung Is Betting on AI for Smartphone Innovation
Innovation and new technology are often driving factors to convince customers to upgrade their smartphones. Samsung is looking to artificial intelligence to help with its next wave of smartphones. Samsung EVP Patrick Chomet spoke with WSJ senior personal tech columnist Joanna Stern at this year's MWC . Zoe Thomas hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Mar 29, 2023
13m
Uber Eats to Cut Thousands of Listings as It Moves to Declutter App
Uber Eats plans to take down thousands of listings for online-only brands. WSJ restaurants reporter Heather Haddon joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how so many of these brands emerged and how Uber’s decision could affect customers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Mar 28, 2023
12m
Online Publishers Want AI Chatbot Makers to Pay Up
A battle between the makers of artificial intelligence chatbots and publishers of online content is brewing. Publishers say they should be compensated by companies like Microsoft, Google and OpenAI for using their material to train chatbots. WSJ reporter Keach Hagey joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss each side of the argument. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Mar 27, 2023
13m
U.S. Lawmakers Grill TikTok CEO About China Ties and Security Risks
TikTok’s CEO Shou Zi Chew defended his company as U.S. lawmakers questioned whether the app’s ties to China made it a national security risk. WSJ tech policy reporter John McKinnon joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss Chew’s testimony and what it means for TikTok’s future in the U.S. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Mar 24, 2023
13m
Those Pesky Password Rules Are Actually a Security Risk, Experts Say
Cybersecurity researchers say systems that force users to change their passwords often actually could be creating security risks. But lots of companies and even government websites require this and other not-so-secure policies. WSJ tech columnist Christopher Mims joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why security experts are concerned and the login strategies they suggest companies adopt. Learn mor...
14m Mar 23, 2023
14m
How European Regulators Are Thinking About Emerging Tech
As more new technologies like artificial intelligence and the metaverse become mainstream, how are European Union officials approaching regulation? Spain’s Secretary of State for Digitization and Artificial Intelligence Carme Artigas spoke about that with WSJ senior personal tech columnist Joanna Stern at this year’s MWC. Julie Chang hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/...
14m Mar 22, 2023
14m
Skilled Workers Shortage Threatens Biden’s Plans For U.S. Chipmaking
Chipmaker Micron will have to overcome a massive shortage of skilled workers in order to open its planned semiconductor-manufacturing campus in the suburbs of Syracuse, N.Y. WSJ reporter Joseph De Avila joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how the company is dealing with the shortage and what it says about the Biden administration's goal of increasing chipmaking in the U.S. Learn more about your...
11m Mar 21, 2023
11m
Tech Execs and Lawmakers Build Anti-China Alliance
Silicon Valley leaders and Capitol Hill lawmakers are developing an unusual bicoastal alliance . The group is pushing against China's presence in the U.S. tech sector, and is meeting just days before TikTok's CEO is scheduled to testify before Congress. WSJ reporter Georgia Wells joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss who's leading the group and why they are concerned.  Learn more about your ad choi...
12m Mar 20, 2023
12m
Could ChatGPT Help Land Your Next Job?
More job seekers are turning to artificial-intelligence chatbot ChatGPT for help improving their resumes. But some bosses are trying to figure out how to assess candidates who use the tool. WSJ personal tech reporter Ann-Marie Alcántara joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what this means for the hiring process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Mar 17, 2023
13m
For Chinese AI Chatbots, Politics Is Off-Limits
As companies all over the world race to develop their own versions of generative artificial intelligence chatbots, developers in China have a particular hurdle to overcome, Beijing’s censorship rules. WSJ reporter Shen Lu joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how Chinese developers are working to ensure their chatbots avoid subjects like politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.f...
14m Mar 16, 2023
14m
TikTok’s New Hyper-Realistic Effect Sparks Beauty Debate
Two new effects on TikTok can give users sculp ted cheekbones, plumped lips, or a younger look with the push of a button. But this hyper-realistic image-altering tech also spurs backlash. WSJ reporter Sara Ashley O'Brien joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how these filters work and why some experts say they could damage users' mental health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/a...
13m Mar 15, 2023
13m
Startups Look to Change After Silicon Valley Bank Collapse
The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank has rattled the startup sector that was so reliant on it. Now venture investors are combing through the aftermath, working to change their banking practices. WSJ venture-capital reporter Berber Jin joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. Plus, do you have questions about generative AI? Leave us a voicemail at (415) 439-6482 or send us a voice recording at tnb@wsj.c...
13m Mar 14, 2023
13m
How Silicon Valley Bank Collapsed
Silicon Valley Bank shut down suddenly on Friday. The lender’s customer base was made up of many startups and venture-capital firms, particularly in the tech sector. WSJ finance editor Charles Forelle joins host Julie Chang to explain the bank’s downfall. Plus, we want to answer your questions about generative AI. Leave us a voicemail at (415) 439-6482 or send us a voice recording at tnb@wsj.co...
12m Mar 13, 2023
12m
Energy Breakthrough Opens Up Possibility for Better Battery Power
A team of researchers from the University of Rochester think they have found the holy grail of energy transmission. And in the next decade, it could change how we use our personal gadgets, medical devices and the energy grid. WSJ science reporter Aylin Woodward joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss this new superconductor. Plus, if you have questions about generative artificial intelligence, email u...
14m Mar 10, 2023
14m