Daily Tech Headlines – Disney Settles with DoJ over COPPA Violation

Hosts: Jen Kutter
Date: December 31, 2025
Episode Theme:
A rapid-fire rundown of top technology news stories, with a primary focus on Disney’s settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) over violations of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Other headlines include developments with Nvidia’s AI chips in China, Google’s Reading Mode update, Apple’s vintage list additions, the GOG.com spinoff, and the rise of job-seekers networking via dating apps.

Main Theme Overview

This episode highlights a significant legal and regulatory development: Disney’s $10 million settlement with the DoJ for violating COPPA by failing to label some YouTube videos properly and collecting personal data from children. Other quick news bites cover major trends and changes across the tech ecosystem as 2025 wraps up, from AI hardware sales to creative new job-hunting tactics.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Disney Settles COPPA Violation Case

• [02:42] The U.S. Department of Justice announced that Disney has settled over a failure to properly label certain YouTube videos as aimed at children.

  • This allowed “Disney and partners to unlawfully collect children’s personal information without consent or notifying parents, which is a COPPA violation.”
  • Disney will pay $10 million and is required to set up a content review program for COPPA compliance.

  Notable Quote:

  “Disney will pay $10 million and set up a content review program to ensure strict compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act.”
  — Jen Kutter (02:55)

2. AI Chips: Nvidia and ByteDance Drive Demand

• [01:09] ByteDance (parent company of TikTok) is planning to spend around 100 billion yuan on Nvidia’s AI chips in 2026, an increase of 85 billion yuan from 2025.
• The purchasing plans are contingent on regulatory decisions with Beijing yet to approve H200 units despite recent US export allowance.
• According to a Reuters source, Nvidia is working with TSMC to ramp up chip production due to “strong demand worldwide,” especially from China.
• Nvidia asserts:

  “License sales of the H200 to authorized customers in China will have no impact on our ability to supply customers in United States.”
  — Nvidia Spokesperson, paraphrased (01:59)

3. Online Prediction Markets & Social Media Integrity

• [00:54] Kalshi and Polymarket, two online prediction brokers, are accused of collaborating with social media accounts that manufacture or exaggerate sports rumors.

  • Some accounts have been labeled “parodies,” complicating enforcement.
  • Kalshi says it “tries to promote integrity, but acknowledges that it is difficult to police every affiliate account on X.”

  Expert Analysis:

  “Without consistent standards around disclosures, market resolution rules, influencer involvement and cross border participation, platforms may unintentionally drift into gray areas.”
  — Ariel E. Givner, Corporate/Securities Lawyer (01:03)

4. Google Reading Mode Revamp

• [03:10] Android’s “Reading Mode” is getting a redesign to improve accessibility and usability:
  • The feature will now be easier to trigger, placed in the three-dot menu on Chrome 143.
  • It uses Material 3 expressive containers for better UI/UX.
  • The update can be manually enabled if not yet rolled out.

5. Apple Adds Devices to Vintage List

• [03:44] Several Apple products are now classified as “vintage,” meaning they’re 5+ years out from sale but still eligible for servicing:
  • iPhone 11 Pro
  • Apple Watch Series 5
  • 2020 13-inch MacBook Air (Intel)
  • iPad Air 3 (cellular)
  • iPhone 8 Plus (128 GB)
• Devices go “obsolete” after 7 years.

6. GOG.com Spins Out from CD Projekt Red

• [04:09] Polish game studio CD Projekt Red has sold its GOG.com store to co-founder Mika Kicinski.

  • GOG remains focused on DRM-free classics and will carry on its marketing partnership with CD Projekt Red.

  Notable Quote:

  “GOG will continue a marketing partnership with CD Projekt, ensuring that its games will continue to be available on the platform.”
  — Jen Kutter (04:31)

7. ResumeBuilder Survey: Job Seekers Use Dating Apps to Find Work

• [04:42] One in three surveyed job seekers have used dating apps to network for jobs—and one in ten say landing a job was the primary reason for joining a dating app.
  • Users target company employees via matching for networking.
  • Quote from Expert:

    “Networking is the only way people are rising above the horror show that is the job search today.”
    — Stacey Haller, Chief Career Advisor, ResumeBuilder (05:03)

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• [02:55] “Disney will pay $10 million and set up a content review program to ensure strict compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act.” — Jen Kutter
• [01:03] “Without consistent standards... platforms may unintentionally drift into gray areas.” — Ariel E. Givner
• [04:31] “GOG will continue a marketing partnership with CD Projekt, ensuring that its games will continue to be available on the platform.” — Jen Kutter
• [05:03] “Networking is the only way people are rising above the horror show that is the job search today.” — Stacey Haller

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------------------------|-----------| | Prediction brokers & sports rumors | 00:54 | | ByteDance & Nvidia AI chip orders | 01:09 | | Disney--DoJ COPPA settlement | 02:42 | | Google Reading Mode redesign | 03:10 | | Apple devices updated to vintage list | 03:44 | | GOG.com separation from CD Projekt Red | 04:09 | | Dating apps as job-hunting tools | 04:42 |

Summary

This episode offers a concise wrap-up of major tech news for the end of 2025, with a spotlight on Disney’s COPPA settlement. Listeners receive significant context on AI hardware demand, evolving digital player integrity across markets and platforms, and consumer tech updates, plus a striking look at the innovative methods job seekers are taking to bypass AI screening—proving that technology continues to shape not just industry headlines but the way people interact, work, and play.