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We wanted to manage the number of suppliers, get better visibility and transparency into these small transactions. We realized that businesses and organizations of all sizes really wanted the same things that consumers did. They wanted a massive selection, great prices and great value. They wanted that delivery experience that they get from Amazon in their personal lives. So they really wanted the Amazon experience. But for work.
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Here'S your afternoon TNB Tech minute for Tuesday, December 30th. I'm Julie Chang for the Wall Street Journal. Disney has agreed to pay $10 million in civil penalties to settle claims over its data collection practices with children. That's according to the Justice Department. Today, a complaint filed in a California district court alleged that Disney failed to designate YouTube video content as directed toward children. As a result, the claim said, the entertainment giant collected information from and targeted ads to without parental notice and consent, violating the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act. Tesla deliveries are expected to drop 15% this quarter from a year earlier, according to a compilation of estimates published by the automaker. Analysts on average anticipate Tesla will deliver less than 423,000 cars between October and December. That compares with about 495,000 a year earlier. 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 and venture capitalists are expected to continue pivoting away from climate next year, according to VCs. This year, many climate startups struggle to attract capital due to changing regulations, a loss in support for environmental policies and the growth of AI. Data from PitchBook shows that climate fundraising has fallen sharply from its peak in 2022, when it hit a record of nearly 157 billion DOL. 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. Investors say the focus in 2026 is instead likely to be on defense tech, energy and adaptation finance. And that's it for your tmbtech minutes. We'll have another quick tech update in the morning. Amazon Business is 10 years old.
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We needed to build something that could address the unique purchasing challeng organizations. The need has never been larger and greater to use AI. Trying to manage that and reduce complexity. It is a fundamental, you know, sea change that is happening. We wanted to manage the number of suppliers we were able to timely and accurately get the supplies to the end user's possession. Amazon solved that problem for us.
Date: December 30, 2025
Host: Julie Chang (for The Wall Street Journal)
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.
[00:31]
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])
[01:17]
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])
[01:46]
Notable Quote:
“Investors say the focus in 2026 is instead likely to be on defense tech, energy and adaptation finance.”
— Julie Chang ([02:18])
While primarily a news update, brief bookend segments touch on business procurement and AI:
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.