WSJ Tech News Briefing — TNB Tech Minute: Conservative Activist Robby Starbuck Sues Google

Date: October 22, 2025
Host: Zoe Culkin, The Wall Street Journal

Episode Overview

In this TNB Tech Minute, WSJ’s Zoe Culkin breaks key tech news ranging from a significant defamation lawsuit against Google by conservative activist Robby Starbuck, to Tinder’s rollout of new safety features, and an exclusive report on crypto firm Falcon X’s latest acquisition. The episode focuses on how AI’s errors are creating legal headaches, steps being taken to improve user trust in online platforms, and major moves in the crypto asset management world.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Robby Starbuck Sues Google Over AI-Generated Defamation

[00:17 - 01:25]

• Lawsuit Details:
  Conservative activist Robby Starbuck has filed a defamation lawsuit against Google. He alleges that Google’s AI tools (specifically Bard) falsely connected him to sexual assault claims and linked him to white nationalist Richard Spencer.

• Timeline:
  Starbuck discovered in 2023 that Google Bard surfaced the false link with Spencer. More recently, newer Google tools allegedly put forth claims of sexual assault accusations against him.

• Damages Sought:
  Starbuck is seeking more than $15 million in damages.

• Google’s Response:
  A company spokesperson stated that the 2023 claims were addressed that same year. They also acknowledged “hallucination” as a well-known issue with chatbots.

• Context:
  This is Starbuck’s second AI-related defamation suit this year against a major tech company, the first being against Meta.

• Notable Quote:

  “Starbuck first became aware of this in 2023 when Google’s Bard connected him to white nationalist Richard Spencer. He took to social media then to call out Google and express the dangers of falsehoods generated by AI.”
  — Zoe Culkin (00:29)

2. Tinder’s New Face Scan Safety Feature

[01:26 - 01:58]

• Feature Overview:
  Tinder will roll out a safety feature requiring users to complete video scans of their faces before being able to swipe. The aim is to boost trust, reduce bots, prevent impersonation, and stop banned users from rejoining.

• Scope:
  The feature will be launched across the US in coming months, then globally wherever permitted by regulations. It’s already live for new users in California, Canada, Australia, and India.

• Effectiveness:
  In markets where this feature is active, user exposure to bad actors has fallen by more than 60%.

• Notable Quote:

  “The feature aims to boost trust among those on the app as well as cut down on bots, duplicate accounts and impersonation, and prevent banned users from returning to the platform.”
  — Zoe Culkin (01:34)

3. Falcon X to Acquire 21Shares in Crypto Fund Deal

[01:59 - 02:33]

• Deal Details:
  Crypto trading firm Falcon X has agreed to acquire 21Shares, one of the largest managers of crypto-focused exchange traded funds.

• Strategy Moving Forward:
  Post-merger, the company plans to focus on developing crypto funds centered on derivatives and structured products.

• Terms:
  The deal was financed through a combination of cash and equity; full terms weren’t disclosed.

• Notable Quote:

  “Once merged, executives say the company will develop crypto funds centered on derivatives and structured products.”
  — Zoe Culkin (02:16)

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On the dangers of AI-generated misinformation:

  “He took to social media then to call out Google and express the dangers of falsehoods generated by AI.”
  — Zoe Culkin (00:31)

• On chatbot limitations:

  “A spokesman for Google said that the company addressed the 2023 claims in 2023. Ann went on to say that hallucination is a well-known issue for chatbots.”
  — Zoe Culkin (01:10)

• On safety results from Tinder’s new feature:

  “…where user exposure to bad actors has fallen more than 60%.”
  — Zoe Culkin (01:54)

Key Timestamps

• 00:17 — Starbuck’s lawsuit details and timeline
• 01:26 — Overview of Tinder’s planned safety feature
• 01:59 — Falcon X’s acquisition of 21Shares

Episode Flow & Tone

• The reporting is brisk, factual, and straightforward, in classic news brief style.
• The tone remains neutral, focused on delivering concise, impactful updates about tech policy, platform safety, and crypto finance moves.

Summary:
This TNB Tech Minute dives into the mounting challenge of AI-generated misinformation for individuals and companies, spotlights heightened efforts to secure dating platforms, and reports on key consolidation in the crypto investment sector. Each story illustrates how policy, technology, and user safety are intersecting in unprecedented ways.

For more updates, tune in to the afternoon edition of WSJ Tech News Briefing.