WSJ Tech News Briefing – Tech Minute: FDA Quietly Removes Webpages Saying Cellphones Aren’t Dangerous

Date: January 16, 2026
Host: Julie Chang, The Wall Street Journal

Episode Overview

This “Tech Minute” episode delivers quick, sharp updates on three major stories dominating tech news:

1. The FDA’s quiet removal of web pages assuring the public that cell phones aren’t dangerous, amidst new research initiatives.
2. An upcoming federal intervention to tackle electricity grid challenges caused by AI data center expansion.
3. An Italian regulatory probe into Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard over potentially misleading and aggressive practices in top mobile games.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. FDA’s Stance on Cell Phone Safety Changes

[00:16 – 01:10]

• The FDA has quietly taken down website content asserting that cell phones are not dangerous.
• The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has launched a review of cell phone radiation and its possible health effects.
  • Notable Background: Kennedy Jr. and allies have questioned cell phone safety, speculating on links to illnesses like cancer.
  • Previously, FDA and mainstream science institutions concluded that there is no conclusive evidence linking health issues to cell phone or wireless device usage.
  • A vocal minority of scientists continue to caution about possible risks and call for greater precaution in device use.
• Memorable Quote:
  • “A spokesman for the Department of Health and Human Services says they’ve launched a study on cell phone radiation to identify gaps in knowledge.” – Julie Chang [00:30]
• Implication: The change signals a shift toward more inquiry and transparency in public health policy concerning emerging tech.

2. Federal Action on Strained Power Grids Due to AI Data Centers

[01:10 – 01:43]

• The Trump administration plans to instruct the nation’s largest power grid operator to conduct an emergency auction.
  • Purpose: Allow tech companies to bid for funding new power plants.
  • Target: PJM Interconnection – a power market covering 13 states from New Jersey to Kentucky.
  • Backdrop: The rapid proliferation of AI data centers is stressing the electricity grid, driving up costs.
• Notable Quote:
  • “The build out of AI data centers there is straining the grid’s capacity and has resulted in substantially higher electricity costs.” – Julie Chang [01:30]
• Wider Context: This federal move aims to stabilize prices and capacity as tech infrastructure growth outpaces energy supply.

3. Italy Investigates Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard for Aggressive Mobile Game Tactics

[01:43 – 02:15]

• Italy’s competition authority is probing Activision Blizzard (recently acquired by Microsoft) for alleged consumer protection violations.
  • Focus: Games “Diablo Immortal” and “Call of Duty Mobile.”
  • Concerns: Both titles are free-to-play but feature in-game purchases.
    • Allegedly, users are pushed toward longer play sessions and more offers through misleading and aggressive in-game strategies.
• Neither Microsoft nor Activision Blizzard commented on the investigation at the time of reporting.
• Notable Quote:
  • “The Italian competition authority said today that Activision might have breached the country’s consumer protection laws by using misleading and aggressive practices to nudge users to play more often, extend their gaming sessions and take up promoted offers.” – Julie Chang [01:55]
• Industry Implication: Increasing regulatory scrutiny on monetization and user engagement models in the mobile gaming industry.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• On FDA study:
  • “A spokesman for the Department of Health and Human Services says they’ve launched a study on cell phone radiation to identify gaps in knowledge.” (Julie Chang, [00:30])
• On data centers straining grids:
  • “The build out of AI data centers there is straining the grid’s capacity and has resulted in substantially higher electricity costs.” (Julie Chang, [01:30])
• On Italy’s investigation:
  • “Activision might have breached the country’s consumer protection laws by using misleading and aggressive practices to nudge users to play more often, extend their gaming sessions and take up promoted offers.” (Julie Chang, [01:55])

Episode Structure & Flow

• 00:16 – FDA and Cell Phone Radiation Safety Story
• 01:10 – Federal Emergency Auction for New Power Plants / AI Data Center Impact
• 01:43 – Italy’s Probe Into Activision Blizzard and Mobile Game Practices
• 02:18 – (Start of advertisement, episode content ends)

Summary

The episode succinctly highlights a significant shift in official communications about cell phone safety/privacy, a federal response to technological strain on national infrastructure, and a European regulatory challenge on game publishers’ consumer tactics. These stories collectively paint a picture of a tech landscape in which public health policy, energy infrastructure, and digital consumer rights are being dynamically reshaped.