WSJ Tech News Briefing

Elon Musk faces off with President Trump, causing Tesla shares to take a nosedive due to threats over government subsidies. Meanwhile, the cryptocurrency sector is buzzing, with Circle making a splash in the stock market. Plus, Senate Republicans are stepping in to protect crucial NASA programs that are at risk of funding cuts. There's a lot happening in tech this week!

Waymo's driverless taxis have hit a pivotal milestone with 10 million rides, shifting perceptions from novelty to normalcy. The rapid growth of their service is impressive, jumping from 10,000 to 250,000 weekly rides in just one year. Meanwhile, the CEO of Match Group tackles the challenges of online dating for Gen Z, promoting innovative features to foster genuine connections. The competition in the autonomous vehicle market heats up as Waymo faces rivals like Tesla, raising questions about customer loyalty and safety.

Reddit takes a stand, suing Anthropic for allegedly using its data without permission. Meanwhile, Meta is on the hunt for exclusive content, courting major Hollywood studios like Disney and A24 for its upcoming VR headset. Plus, CrowdStrike is collaborating with federal authorities to investigate a software bug that caused flight delays. Tune in for insights on these tech developments!

In Silicon Valley, psychedelics are shifting from recreational use to tools for professional growth. Tech workers are increasingly exploring psychedelics to enhance creativity and combat burnout, often supported by integration therapy. Additionally, some executives are attending unofficial retreats, gaining profound insights while facing potential psychological risks. On a different note, U.S. export restrictions on semiconductor technology may unintentionally strengthen China's domestic tech industry, sparking a deeper competition in the global tech arena.

Meta is making waves by teaming up with Constellation Energy to use nuclear power for its ambitious AI projects. TSMC remains optimistic about AI demand despite looming tariff challenges. Meanwhile, Victoria’s Secret faces a setback as an information security incident forces a delay in its earnings release. The tech world is buzzing with these significant developments!

General Motors is navigating a complex landscape as it pushes for an all-electric future, despite recent setbacks and lobbying against emissions regulations. CEO Mary Barra remains optimistic, addressing challenges like charging infrastructure and battery tech. Meanwhile, the podcast introduces 'vibe coding,' a groundbreaking concept allowing anyone to create apps using simple English prompts. This shift in app development reflects how technology is transforming industries, making innovation accessible to all.

Meta is set to revolutionize ad creation and targeting with AI, automating processes by next year. This bold move raises questions about the quality of AI-generated content and its implications for brands. Meanwhile, an antitrust investigation into Amazon's pricing mechanisms adds another layer of complexity to the tech landscape. Additionally, the competition for AI agent customers is intensifying as cloud-based data-warehousing firm Snowflake moves to acquire startup Crunchy Data.

Tim Higgins, a WSJ columnist, dives into Elon Musk's return to Tesla and SpaceX after his time in the Trump administration. The conversation highlights Musk's ambitious goals for DOGE amid legal challenges and consumer backlash. Higgins discusses the delicate balance Musk must maintain between corporate ambitions and public commitments, particularly in retaining Tesla customers. They also explore Musk's innovative projects like the robo-taxi and his shifting focus in leadership, while addressing the significant hurdles Tesla and SpaceX are currently facing.

Delve into the high-stakes world of the antitrust lawsuit against Google, discussing its implications for both the search industry and emerging technologies like OpenAI. Meanwhile, learn about the downturn of Chinese tech stocks amid worries over U.S.-China trade relations. Finally, discover how Ray-Ban's parent company is venturing into medical AI through a noteworthy acquisition, showcasing the intriguing convergence of technology and healthcare.

Bob McMillan, a computer security expert from The Wall Street Journal, joins to discuss the dark side of remote work. He reveals how North Korean scammers exploit flexible jobs to orchestrate elaborate schemes, raking in millions. The concept of 'laptop farms' is explored, showcasing the ethical dilemmas employees face. McMillan unpacks the sophisticated tactics scammers use to deceive corporations, leading to dire legal consequences for those unknowingly involved. It's a revealing look at the intersection of convenience and digital crime.