WSJ Tech News Briefing – TNB Tech Minute: AWS Recovers From Major Outage

Date: October 20, 2025
Host: Zoe Culkin (The Wall Street Journal)

Episode Overview

This quick Tech Minute delivers a concise update on three headline-grabbing technology stories: Amazon Web Services’ (AWS) recovery from a major outage, continued supply chain headaches in the U.S. auto industry, and the UK regulator’s latest moves on the Getty Images–Shutterstock merger. The episode offers a snapshot of how these disruptions ripple through the tech and business landscape.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. AWS Outage and Impact (00:19–01:08)

• Event Summary: AWS experienced a significant outage affecting services across numerous sectors, including major consumer apps and even media outlets such as the Wall Street Journal itself.
• Key Facts:
  • The outage disrupted retailers, social media platforms (Venmo, Facebook, Slack), United Airlines, and more.
  • The issue rooted in a regional data center cluster on the U.S. east coast (Northern Virginia).
  • Amazon reported increased error rates and “latencies” for multiple services.
  • Most services restored by the time of recording.
• Industry Insight:
  • “The AWS infrastructure provides cloud computing services for millions of sites, and any issue can have major impacts on the wider Internet.” – Zoe Culkin (00:32)
• Wider Significance: Emphasizes the central role of cloud infrastructure and the immediate, widespread consequences of outages for the digital economy.

2. Auto Industry Supply Chain Problems (01:09–01:46)

• Current Situation:
  • Ongoing semiconductor shortages compounded by new issues, specifically an aluminum shortage.
  • Tariffs from the Trump administration further intensify strain on imports and production.
  • Resulting disruptions:
    • Jeep SUV manufacturing halted in Michigan, not resuming until next month.
    • Ford has also paused production at three plants.
    • Thousands of auto-workers now on unemployment.
• Trends and Outlook:
  • This year’s U.S. car sales remain robust, but “next year doesn’t look as promising.” – Zoe Culkin (01:43)
• Industry Quote:
  • “Assembly lines producing high end Jeep SUVs in a Michigan factory came to a halt last week and will not resume production until early next month due to an aluminum shortage.” – Zoe Culkin (01:22)

3. Getty Images–Shutterstock Merger Faces Scrutiny (01:47–02:03)

• Regulatory Move:
  • The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) believes the $3.7 billion merger “raises competition concerns.”
  • Deadline set: Companies must address concerns by October 27 or face a deeper investigation.
  • Both companies remain “committed to their merger” and are engaging with the regulator.
• Regulatory Quote:
  • “It’s giving the companies until October 27th to offer a way of addressing its concerns, or else it’ll refer the deal for further investigation.” – Zoe Culkin (01:53)

Notable Quotes

• “The AWS infrastructure provides cloud computing services for millions of sites, and any issue can have major impacts on the wider Internet.”
  – Zoe Culkin, [00:32]

• “Assembly lines producing high end Jeep SUVs in a Michigan factory came to a halt last week and will not resume production until early next month due to an aluminum shortage.”
  – Zoe Culkin, [01:22]

• “Next year doesn’t look as promising.”
  – Zoe Culkin, [01:43]

• “It’s giving the companies until October 27th to offer a way of addressing its concerns, or else it’ll refer the deal for further investigation.”
  – Zoe Culkin, [01:53]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• AWS Recovery & Impact: 00:19–01:08
• Auto Industry Supply Chain & Outlook: 01:09–01:46
• Getty/Shutterstock Merger & Regulation: 01:47–02:03

Memorable Moments

• The immediacy with which the outage at AWS rippled across mainstream digital services and even newsrooms (including WSJ itself).
• The sobering announcement about thousands of auto workers affected by parts shortages, foreshadowing potential economic slowdowns.
• The regulatory tension building over massive media mergers, spotlighting ongoing antitrust scrutiny in tech and content sectors.

This Tech Minute distilled the day’s most urgent tech and business disruptions: cloud reliability, supply chain fragility, and competition in digital content markets. For listeners, it’s a brisk but revealing window into how quickly global technology shifts can upend business as usual.