How Schools Are Preparing for Remote Learning (Again)
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
12m Jul 21, 2020
12m
How Governments Are Using Cellphone Data for Surveillance
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
10m Jul 20, 2020
10m
Russia Blamed for Cyberattacks on Coronavirus Vaccine Researchers
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...
13m Jul 17, 2020
13m
In Search, Google Pushes YouTube Over Rivals
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
13m Jul 16, 2020
13m
Why the U.K. Reversed Course on Huawei
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
12m Jul 15, 2020
12m
Why Tech Stocks Are (Still) Rallying
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
10m Jul 14, 2020
10m
How Hollywood is Bringing Tech Into the Creative Process
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
14m Jul 13, 2020
14m
How Chicago's Broadband Plan Works to Close the Digital Divide
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 cho...
10m Jul 10, 2020
10m
Why TikTok Is Allowing More Political Content
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...
13m Jul 09, 2020
13m
Tech Companies Weigh Response to Hong Kong National-Security Law
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
14m Jul 08, 2020
14m
Uber Buys Postmates in Play for Food-Delivery Dominance
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
10m Jul 07, 2020
10m
What Scientists Uncovered About Earthquakes Using AI
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 ab...
8m Jul 06, 2020
8m
What You Need to Know Before Buying Apple Products Right Now
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
9m Jul 02, 2020
9m
How Facebook Users Are Targeting Health Officials
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 h...
12m Jul 01, 2020
12m
How eBay Tried to Crush a Blog Critic
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ...
13m Jun 30, 2020
13m
California City Bans Predictive Policing Software
Many governments are cracking down on policing tactics in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests. Now, a city in California is believed to be the first to ban predictive policing software. Our cybersecurity reporter David Uberti explains. Kateri Jochum hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10m Jun 29, 2020
10m
White House Considering Broad Intervention to Secure 5G Future
Everyone wants in on the race to next-generation 5G networks. The Chinese telecom giant Huawei is leading the pack. And now, we report that the Trump Administration is considering sweeping measures to shut them out. And tech workers: has your company been taking action to address racial inequity in the workplace? Call us and tell us about it at‪ (314) 635-0388‬. Kateri Jochum hosts. Amanda Lew...
13m Jun 26, 2020
13m
Why Trump's Campaign is Looking for Alternatives to Facebook, Twitter
The biggest social media platforms have been feeling pressure to moderate political content. In recent weeks, Facebook and Twitter have flagged or removed some of President Trump's posts and campaign ads. But as the campaign looks for other ways to connect with voters online - are there really other options? Our reporter Emily Glazer will explain. And tech workers: has your company been taking ...
12m Jun 25, 2020
12m
How New Immigration Measures Could Impact Tech
Tech companies are pushing back against the Trump administration's temporary ban on H-1B and other immigrant work visas. Our reporter Asa Fitch will join us to break down the debate. And tech workers: has your company been taking action to address racial inequity in the workplace? Call us and tell us about it at‪ (314) 635-0388‬. Kateri Jochum hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit meg...
8m Jun 24, 2020
8m
What Wirecard's Downfall Could Mean for Tech Investing
A German fintech company announced last week that it's missing over $2 billion from its balance sheet. On Monday, the board said that money probably never existed in the first place. Our columnist Stephen Wilmot on what that could mean for tech investing in Europe. And tech workers: has your company been taking action to address racial inequity in the workplace? Call us and tell us about it at‪...
12m Jun 23, 2020
12m
Our Guide to Apple's WWDC
Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference kicks off today - virtually, of course. As usual, it's a chance for Apple to unveil new products and strategy. But this year also marks a critical moment for Apple's relationship with developers. Our tech columnist Christopher Mims will join us to guide us through it. And tech workers: has your company been taking action to address racial inequity in the...
11m Jun 22, 2020
11m
Why Hackers Are Targeting Companies You've Never Heard Of
When cybercriminals go after big entities, they make headlines. So they've begun targeting more under-the-radar companies. Our reporter Jenny Strasburg joins us to explain the impact. And tech workers: has your company been taking action to address racial inequity in the workplace? Call us and tell us about it at‪ (314) 635-0388‬. Kateri Jochum hosts. Amanda Lewellyn is our producer. Learn mor...
12m Jun 19, 2020
12m
DOJ Proposes Limiting Protections for Internet Companies
The Justice Department proposed a rollback of some of the rules that have protected tech companies for decades. Our reporter Brent Kendall explains. And tech workers: has your company been taking action to address racial inequity in the workplace? Call us and tell us about it at‪ (314) 635-0388‬. Kateri Jochum hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14m Jun 18, 2020
14m
How Russian Misinformation Groups May Be Adapting Since 2016
A new report gives us insight into how the Russian firm Secondary Infektion has been operating over the past few years. Our reporter Robert McMillan joins us to explain what they're doing, and what it could mean for Russian disinformation tactics in 2020. And tech workers: has your company been taking action to address racial inequity in the workplace? Call us and tell us about it at‪ (314) 635...
13m Jun 17, 2020
13m
Why Police Could Still Be Using Facial Recognition, Despite Big Exits
Amazon, Microsoft, IBM and others have said they won't sell facial recognition tech to police, and they've called on Congress to introduce national legislation. But other major players in the market aren't making the same commitments. Our reporter Jared Council explains. And tech workers: has your company been taking action to address racial inequity in the workplace? Call us and tell us about ...
15m Jun 16, 2020
15m
How Political Groups Harvest Data from Protesters
For years, companies have used location data to market specific products and messages to individuals. Now, political groups are adopting the strategy. Our reporter Patience Haggin joins us to explain. Kateri Jochum hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
9m Jun 15, 2020
9m
Developer Conferences, Minus the Developers
Normally, major tech companies launch new products and services at developer conferences - but the pandemic has made that near-impossible. Our Heard on the Street Columnist Dan Gallagher explains what that could mean for the industry. And tech workers: has your company been taking action to address racial inequity in the workplace? Call us and tell us about it at‪ (314) 635-0388‬. Kateri Jochum...
11m Jun 12, 2020
11m
Rivals Step Up to Take on Amazon Amid Pandemic
Shutdowns around the world mean more shoppers are taking their carts digital. As even the biggest companies like Amazon and Walmart struggle to keep up - how are the little guys doing? Our reporter Sebastian Herrera joins us to explain. Kateri Jochum hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14m Jun 11, 2020
14m
China's Tencent Holdings to Build a City
Tencent Holdings - one of the world's most valuable tech companies - is known for its social media, videogame, and other Internet ventures. Now: it's adding 'city planner' to its portfolio. Our reporter Konrad Putzier explains. Kateri Jochum hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10m Jun 10, 2020
10m
Kids Sneaking Online During the Pandemic
Breaking rules is part of being a kid. Unfortunately for parents, that extends to screen time limits, too. Our Family Tech Columnist Julie Jargon joins to explain some of the ways the tech-savviest generation has been sneaking online - and what parents can do about it. Kateri Jochum hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10m Jun 09, 2020
10m
Why You've Been "Doomscrolling"
There's a reason you've been spending more time than usual scrolling through bad news lately. It has a lot to do with your fight-or-flight response. Our personal tech columnist Nicole Nguyen joins us to explain what's happening, and how to cut back. Kateri Jochum hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11m Jun 08, 2020
11m
Microsoft Battles for Your Work Computer
During the pandemic, workplace communications companies have seen years' worth of progress in the space of months. Meaning the fight for market share is intense. Microsoft - one of the world's largest companies - has been adopting aggressive tactics to get workplaces to opt into its product, Teams. Kateri Jochum hosts. Amanda Lewellyn is our producer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit meg...
11m Jun 05, 2020
11m
Working in Tech While Black
Since the death of George Floyd last week, the nation has been reckoning with its racial divisions and history again. Microsoft is among several tech companies that have declared their support for racial equity - and urged employees to have open conversations about race. On today's episode, we hear from Microsoft Senior Director of Marketing Tina Eskridge about her experience working through th...
13m Jun 04, 2020
13m
Special Edition: IG Founder Kevin Systrom at WSJ Tech Health
The Wall Street Journal held its second annual gathering on health technology yesterday, bringing executives and experts together online for interactive conversations about the future of global health. At that event, Wall Street Journal Editor in Chief Matt Murray interviewed Instagram co-founder Kevin Systrom about social media's role during the pandemic and his coronavirus modeling project. K...
29m Jun 03, 2020
29m
Social Media's Role in Protests
For about as long as platforms like Twitter have existed, demonstrators and police have used them as a tool. Our reporter Sarah E. Needleman joins us to explain the role of social media in recent protests over the death of George Floyd, as well as some of the historical precedent. Kateri Jochum hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Jun 02, 2020
12m
Tech Task Force to Combat Covid-19 Stumbles
When the pandemic hit the U.S., tech leaders rounded up innovators and policymakers, from big investors to the White House, to try and come up with solutions. But after challenges like a leadership change and concerns over privacy, many of their most ambitious plans have failed to materialize. Our deputy tech editor Brad Reagan joins us to explain what's going on. Kateri Jochum hosts. Learn mor...
11m Jun 01, 2020
11m
Trump Signs Executive Order Targeting Social Media
President Trump signed an executive order on Thursday that seeks to limit legal protections for social media companies. The action comes after Twitter labeled two of the president's tweets about mail-in voting. Our reporter Deepa Seetharaman joins us to break down what's in the order and how it relates to a larger debate about free speech online. Kateri Jochum hosts. Amanda Lewellyn is our prod...
11m May 29, 2020
11m
Facebook Officials Shut Down Attempts to Make it Less Divisive
Americans' views on fundamental issues have been drifting apart for decades, but many believe that social media companies are widening the gap. After these concerns reached a fever pitch during the 2016 U.S. election, Facebook took a look at itself to see if it contributed to divisiveness. Turns out - it did. But as our reporter Jeffrey Horwitz explains, executives at Facebook dialed back effor...
16m May 28, 2020
16m
SpaceX to Send Astronauts to the ISS
Between Tesla and a new baby, you might've forgotten that Elon Musk is also working on space travel. Today, his company SpaceX is scheduled to become the first private entity to send humans to the International Space Station. Our reporter Andy Pasztor joins us to explain why this could be one small step for man - and a giant leap for commercial space travel. Kateri Jochum hosts. Learn more abou...
14m May 27, 2020
14m
Why Big Tech is Still Growing
The most significant economic downturn in recent history has forced many companies to lay off thousands of workers, and cut back on new investments. But tech companies still have the resources to grow - and to invest in R&D. Our tech columnist Christopher Mims explains why that is. Kateri Jochum hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10m May 26, 2020
10m
What Getting Hired in Silicon Valley Looks Like Now
Thousands of tech workers have been laid off in recent days, and some executives have said those positions are gone for good. Our reporter Asa Fitch joins us to explain what it's like to look for a job in Silicon Valley right now - and what that could mean for tech in the long run. Plus: Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern joins with her work from home tech tip of the week. Kateri Jochu...
13m May 22, 2020
13m
Facebook Sets Its Sights on E-Commerce - and India
With hundreds of millions of people not yet online, India represents a huge opportunity for Facebook as it pushes into e-commerce. Our reporter Newley Purnell joins us to explain how they're doing it. And: have a work-from-home tech question for Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern, or want to share your own experience? Leave her a message at ‪(314) 635-0388‬ or email her at joanna.stern...
12m May 21, 2020
12m
Europe's Debate Over Contact Tracing
Researchers around the world try to use tech to keep coronavirus outbreaks in check. In Europe, they're running into the issue of privacy. Our reporter David Uberti will break down the debate. And: have a work-from-home tech question for Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern, or want to share your own experience? Leave her a message at ‪(314) 635-0388‬ or email her at joanna.stern@wsj.com...
9m May 20, 2020
9m
SoftBank Posts Its Worst Results Ever
SoftBank has reported its worst fiscal-year results in history. Our tech reporter Rolfe Winkler joins us to explain what those results could mean for SoftBank's future - and the future of tech as a whole. By the way: have a work-from-home tech question for Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern, or want to share your own experience? Leave her a message at ‪(314) 635-0388‬ or email her at j...
13m May 19, 2020
13m
Google Heeds Phony Copyright Claims, Hides News
Like other tech giants, Google is required to remove content that violates copyright laws. But we report exclusively that Google has removed thousands of items that are perfectly lawful - all because of phony claims. Our reporter Andrea Fuller joins to tell us about her team's investigation. And: have a work-from-home tech question for Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern, or want to sha...
15m May 18, 2020
15m
A.I. Cameras to Monitor Social Distancing in the Office
As parts of the world begin to reopen, some employers are using artificial intelligence to monitor social distancing at work. Our reporter Parmy Olson will explain. Plus: our Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern joins us with her tech tips of the week: a "rearview mirror", and everything you need to know about VPNs. Want to get in touch with Joanna to share your own experience? Leave her...
14m May 15, 2020
14m
Chinese, Iranian Hackers Targeting U.S. Coronavirus Researchers
U.S. officials say hackers have been targeting the universities and pharmaceutical companies working on treatments and vaccines for the coronavirus. Our reporter Gordon Lubold joins us to explain. And: have a work-from-home tech question for Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern, or want to share your own experience? Leave her a message at ‪(314) 635-0388‬ or email her at joanna.stern@wsj...
13m May 14, 2020
13m
States Turn to Amazon, Others to Update I.T.
Millions of people have tried to file for unemployment - or just get in touch with their government - since the pandemic began. Because of outdated I.T. systems, they've found themselves on the phone for hours, or on a website that kept crashing. Our reporter Sarah Chaney says some states are turning to big tech companies for solutions. And: have a work-from-home tech question for Senior Person...
9m May 13, 2020
9m
Tesla Defies Local Orders, Restarts Production
Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced on Monday that Tesla is restarting production - in spite of local shutdown orders. This comes just days after Tesla filed a lawsuit against the county to allow them to reopen. And: have a work-from-home tech question for Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern, or want to share your own experience? Leave her a message at ‪(314) 635-0388‬ or email her at joanna....
15m May 12, 2020
15m
Trump Administration, Chipmakers Push for Self-Sufficiency
Semiconductor chips power just about everything that's electric, but a majority of them are made in Asia. Our reporter Asa Fitch joins us to explain how the Trump Administration is pushing to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign chipmakers. And: have a work-from-home tech question for Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern, or want to share your own experience? Leave her a message at ‪(314) 6...
11m May 11, 2020
11m