WSJ Tech News Briefing – TNB Tech Minute: EU Investigates Google over Publishers’ Ranking Policy

Date: November 13, 2025
Host: Zoe Culkin

Episode Overview

This episode delivers quick, actionable updates on the latest happenings in the tech world. The main focus centers on the European Union (EU) opening an investigation into Google's handling of news publishers’ search rankings under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), with additional exclusives on significant investments and fundraising in electric vehicles and AI startups. The overall tone is brisk, informative, and focused on breaking news.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. EU Launches Investigation Into Google’s Search Rankings

(00:23)

• The EU Commission announces a formal investigation into how Google ranks news publishers in its search results.
  • Concern: Google may be “demoting certain publishers, websites and content” that contain material from third-party commercial partners.
  • Implication: Such practices could make it harder for news publishers to earn revenue online, especially via third-party content.
  • Legislative Context: The investigation falls under the Digital Markets Act, which allows for hefty fines—up to 10% of a company’s global turnover—for violations.

Notable Quote

"The commission said it's concerned that Google might be demoting certain publishers, websites and content in search results when they include content from third party commercial partners, potentially impeding publishers from making money online through third party content."
— Zoe Culkin [00:34]

2. Google’s Response

(00:48)

• Google’s public reply (via a blog post):
  • Defends its ranking-related policy as a necessary measure to counteract “deceptive pay-for-play tactics.”

Notable Quote

“Google said in a blog post that its ranking-related policy is essential to fight deceptive pay-for-play tactics.”
— Zoe Culkin [00:53]

3. Harbinger Motors Funding and Major FedEx Deal

(01:00)

• WSJ reports exclusively that Harbinger Motors has:
  • Raised $160 million in new financing.
  • Secured a significant contract with FedEx, which placed an initial order for 53 medium-duty electric trucks.
  • Additional backers include Thor Industries and Capricorn Investment Group’s Technology Impact Fund.
  • Total funding since 2021: $358 million (valuation undisclosed).

Notable Quote

“FedEx placed an initial order for 53 trucks as part of its investment and was one of the companies leading the Series C funding round.”
— Zoe Culkin [01:11]

4. Cursor AI Coding Startup’s Explosive Growth

(01:33)

• Cursor, an AI coding assistant highly regarded among engineers, raised $2.3 billion at a $29.3 billion valuation.
• Company co-founded by four MIT graduates (all in their mid-20s).
  • This marks Cursor’s third fundraising round this year.
  • New investors include Google and Nvidia.
  • The company has declined multiple acquisition offers from major AI players.

Notable Quote

“Cursor, a startup that makes an AI coding tool beloved by engineers, has raised $2.3 billion at a $29.3 billion valuation, nearly 12 times the value the company had in January.”
— Zoe Culkin [01:37]

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On emerging applications of quantum computing (from brief sponsored segment):

“It's very exciting to think about where we all sat at the dawn of classical computation and not to ever imagine where we are today. But we know that quantum computers are poised to accelerate time and cost efficiencies in really important fields like drug development, materials discovery, optimization, things that impact all industries.”
— Katie Pizzolato (IBM Quantum Platform, Vice President) [00:02]

Important Segments & Timestamps

• [00:00] — Quantum computing potential (Katie Pizzolato, IBM)
• [00:23] — Main headline: EU investigation into Google and the Digital Markets Act
• [00:48] — Google’s official response
• [01:00] — Harbinger Motors fundraising and FedEx deal
• [01:33] — Cursor’s $2.3B round and rapid valuation growth

Summary

This concise TNB Tech Minute presents fast-breaking tech policy news and industry movements:

• The EU’s probe into Google demonstrates increasing regulatory scrutiny under Europe’s DMA, with potentially massive financial consequences for Google.
• Google is positioning itself as fighting deceptive publishing tactics, hinting at a broader debate on content ranking and digital platform power.
• Major developments in clean transport—the Harbinger Motors/FedEx deal—signal continued investment in electric vehicle innovation.
• The rapid rise of Cursor, amid significant VC interest and acquisition overtures, underscores the AI sector’s explosive growth and the premium placed on next-gen coding tools.

The episode’s reporting is brisk, data-rich, and keenly focused on the intersection of technology, business, and regulation—useful listening (or reading) for anyone tracking transformative tech and policy shifts.