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.
