WSJ Tech News Briefing: TNB Tech Minute – Disney to Settle Children’s Privacy Case

Date: December 30, 2025
Host: Julie Chang (for The Wall Street Journal)

Episode Overview

This concise episode of WSJ’s Tech News Briefing delivers a quick rundown of today’s most pressing tech stories. The main focus is Disney’s $10 million settlement over alleged violations of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Additional highlights include forecasts for Tesla’s vehicle deliveries and the shifting priorities of venture capital in tech, signaling a broader trend of investor movement away from climate startups in favor of defense tech and related sectors.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Disney’s Settlement Over Children’s Privacy

[00:31]

• The Justice Department has announced that Disney will pay $10 million in civil penalties.
• A federal complaint alleges Disney failed to properly label YouTube video content as directed at children.
• As a result, Disney unlawfully collected data and targeted ads to children without parental consent, violating COPPA.
• This case highlights continued regulatory scrutiny on data collection practices affecting minors.

Notable Quote:
“Disney has agreed to pay $10 million in civil penalties to settle claims over its data collection practices with children.”
— Julie Chang ([00:34])

2. Tesla Vehicle Delivery Forecasts

[01:17]

• Tesla deliveries are projected to drop 15% this quarter compared to the previous year.
• Analysts anticipate fewer than 423,000 vehicles delivered from October to December, versus about 495,000 during the same period last year.
• Tesla is poised for its second consecutive year of declining annual vehicle sales.
• The company’s focus is shifting toward autonomous vehicles and robotics as part of a new strategy.

Notable Quote:
“The company is on pace to record a second consecutive decline in annual vehicle sales. The forecasts come as Tesla works to shift its business toward autonomous vehicles and robotics.”
— Julie Chang ([01:30])

3. Venture Capital Shifts Away from Climate Startups

[01:46]

• Venture capitalists are forecasted to continue moving away from climate investments into 2026.
• Climate startups have struggled to raise funds amid regulatory changes, less support for environmental policies, and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence.
• PitchBook data:
  • Climate fundraising peaked in 2022 at nearly $157 billion.
  • In 2024, that dropped to about $71.5 billion.
  • In the first 9 months of 2025, only $36.5 billion was raised.
• Future VC interest is expected to focus on defense tech, energy, and adaptation finance.

Notable Quote:
“Investors say the focus in 2026 is instead likely to be on defense tech, energy and adaptation finance.”
— Julie Chang ([02:18])

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “Disney has agreed to pay $10 million in civil penalties to settle claims over its data collection practices with children.” — Julie Chang ([00:34])
• “Tesla is on pace to record a second consecutive decline in annual vehicle sales.” — Julie Chang ([01:30])
• “Climate fundraising has fallen sharply from its peak in 2022... In 2024, that dropped to about $71.5 billion, and in the first nine months of this year, just over $36.5 billion was raised.” — Julie Chang ([01:59])

Additional Tech Industry Commentary ([00:00], [02:31])

While primarily a news update, brief bookend segments touch on business procurement and AI:

• The complexity of modern business procurement and the need for streamlined supplier management (Amazon’s experience).
• The growing necessity to use AI for organizational purchasing challenges.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Disney COPPA Settlement: [00:31] – [01:17]
• Tesla Delivery Outlook: [01:17] – [01:46]
• Venture Capital Climate Shift: [01:46] – [02:18]

Summary

This TNB Tech Minute delivers brisk but impactful coverage of tech’s regulatory, business, and investment currents. Disney’s costly settlement marks a regulatory milestone in children’s online privacy. Tesla faces a challenging year as it bets on future tech pivots. Meanwhile, venture capital flows show a pronounced industry shift—from climate to defense and core tech sectors—reflecting evolving global priorities. Perfect for listeners seeking a compact yet comprehensive pulse on today's tech headlines.