WSJ Tech News Briefing – TNB Tech Minute: EU Demands TikTok App Redesign

Date: February 6, 2026
Host: Julie Chang, The Wall Street Journal

Episode Overview

This episode of the WSJ Tech News Briefing delivers a concise morning update focused on three significant tech stories:

1. The European Union demands a TikTok app redesign to combat addiction and regulatory violations.
2. Amazon’s US corporate taxes plummet following new tax legislation.
3. Major financial hits among automakers over misjudged EV (electric vehicle) investments.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. EU Demands TikTok Redesign Over Addiction Concerns

(00:13 – 00:58)

• Issue: The European Commission has ordered TikTok to redesign its app, citing worries about features like infinite scroll, autoplay, and personalized algorithms contributing to addiction—especially among young users.
• Regulatory Context:
  • The complaint centers around violations of the EU's Digital Services Act, which governs digital platforms' responsibility for user well-being.
  • The Commission argues that TikTok has not “assessed how its app design could harm users’ physical and mental well-being,” and that existing controls are inadequate.
• Industry Response:
  • TikTok responded forcefully, with a spokesperson stating, “The EU regulator’s claims [are] false and meritless.” (00:48)

Notable Quote:

• “The European Commission has said TikTok must redesign its app due to concerns that features like infinite scroll, autoplay and its personalized algorithm are addictive and violate the bloc’s Digital Services Act.” — Julie Chang (00:19)
• “A TikTok spokesperson called the EU regulators’ claims false and meritless.” — Julie Chang (00:48)

2. Amazon’s Corporate Tax Bill Shrinks After New US Tax Law

(00:58 – 01:35)

• Financial Impact:
  • Amazon’s U.S. corporate income tax bill dropped more than 50% in 2025 (from $9 billion to $1.2 billion incurred), even as profits climbed.
  • On a cash basis, Amazon paid less than $3 billion, compared to over $7 billion in previous years.
• Cause:
  • The drop resulted from a new tax law signed by President Trump in July 2025.
• Broader Implication:
  • Amazon’s reporting exemplifies how large U.S. companies significantly benefit from recent tax cuts. The law has also increased individual tax refunds.

Notable Quote:

• “Amazon saw its US corporate income taxes shrink by more than half in 2025 while its profits climbed this. That’s thanks to a new tax law signed by President Trump last July.” — Julie Chang (01:00)

3. Stellantis Writes Down $26 Billion After Misjudging EV Adoption

(01:36 – 02:05)

• Financial Write-down:
  • Stellantis will record a write-down of approximately $26 billion, acknowledging it overestimated the pace of electric vehicle (EV) adoption and now must cancel related projects.
• Industry Trend:
  • Stellantis follows other automakers in recording massive losses:
    • Ford ($19.5 billion hit in Dec 2025)
    • GM ($6 billion write-off in Jan 2026)
  • Automakers are now pivoting their focus from full electrification to hybrid vehicle development.

Notable Quote:

• “Stellantis is the latest automaker to flush out massive EV investments. Ford took a $19.5 billion hit in December, and GM last month reported $6 billion in write downs.” — Julie Chang (01:52)

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On TikTok’s Alleged Addictive Design:
  “The European Union’s executive arm said TikTok might not have done enough to adequately assess how its app design could harm users’ physical and mental wellbeing.” — Julie Chang (00:30)
• On Tax Reform Effects:
  “The figures offer one of the clearest examples yet of how the largest U.S. companies are benefiting from the tax cuts, which are also boosting individual tax refunds this year.” — Julie Chang (01:21)
• On Auto Industry Realignment:
  “Stellantis, like other automakers, is shifting gears to hybrids.” — Julie Chang (02:02)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:13] EU orders TikTok app redesign
• [00:48] TikTok spokesperson’s rebuttal
• [00:58] Amazon’s tax cuts explained
• [01:36] Stellantis announces $26B write-down on EVs

Summary

In this fast-paced Tech Minute, Julie Chang spotlights substantial regulatory and financial shifts: The EU’s active stance on tech company responsibility, a dramatic cut in Amazon’s tax burden under new US law, and a rapidly cooling EV market forcing automakers to reevaluate their strategies. Each story underscores significant trends with global implications, presented in WSJ’s authoritative and impartial tone.