Podcast Summary: WSJ Tech News Briefing

Episode: TNB Tech Minute: EU Plans to Impose Interim Measures in WhatsApp AI Probe
Date: February 9, 2026
Host: Julie Chang, The Wall Street Journal

Episode Overview

This Tech Minute delivers concise updates on major tech industry developments, focusing on the EU’s regulatory action against Meta over WhatsApp’s treatment of rival AI chatbots, a significant biotech acquisition by Eli Lilly, and a major cloud infrastructure deal involving STMicroelectronics and Amazon Web Services. The podcast maintains a brisk, informative tone, targeting listeners seeking key headlines and insights in under two minutes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. EU’s Action Against Meta Over WhatsApp AI Chatbot Access

• [00:29] Julie Chang: The European Union has issued a formal statement of objections to Meta (Facebook’s parent company) concerning its policies on WhatsApp’s business communication tools.
• Background:
  • In January, Meta implemented a policy that blocks rival AI chatbots from accessing WhatsApp's business programming interface (BPI).
  • The EU alleges this could be an abuse of Meta’s dominant position in the messaging market.
• Interim Measures:
  • The EU intends to require Meta to open up WhatsApp’s business tool to competing chatbots while the investigation continues.
• Meta’s Response:
  • A Meta spokesperson disputes the EU’s premise:

    “The EU wrongly assumes WhatsApp’s business programming interface is a key distribution channel for chatbots.” ([00:55])

  • Meta has the opportunity to respond formally and to request a hearing.
• Context:
  • The probe highlights growing regulatory scrutiny over how major tech platforms manage access for third-party AI services.

2. Eli Lilly’s $2.4 Billion Acquisition of Orna Therapeutics

• [01:11] Julie Chang: Eli Lilly is buying Orna Therapeutics, a biotech company pioneering genetic medicines, for up to $2.4 billion.
• What Orna Does:
  • Engineers immune cells within the patient’s body (in vivo), using circular RNA and lipid nanoparticles.
  • This technology enables the body to generate its own cell therapies for treating diseases.
• Significance:
  • Lilly views the acquisition as a way to "build a platform for long-term innovation in genetic medicine and in vivo cell engineering.”
• Industry Impact:
  • This aligns with broader trends in pharmaceutical acquisitions aimed at acquiring cutting-edge therapeutic technologies.

3. STMicroelectronics & Amazon Web Services: Multi-Billion-Dollar AI Infrastructure Deal

• [01:41] Julie Chang: STMicroelectronics has secured a multi-year, multi-billion-dollar supply agreement with AWS (Amazon Web Services).
• Deal Details:
  • STMicroelectronics will provide semiconductors and related technologies for AWS’s cloud data centers.
  • AWS can acquire up to a 2.7% equity stake in STMicroelectronics, with shares vesting over seven years.
• Strategic Importance:
  • The partnership helps STMicro broaden its customer base beyond its traditional focus on automotive semiconductors.
  • Marks STMicro’s entry into the AI infrastructure market, a significant shift for the company.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the EU’s antitrust action:

  “The EU plans to impose interim measures requiring Meta to grant competing chatbots access to WhatsApp’s business communication tool.”
  — Julie Chang ([00:34])

• On Meta’s defense:

  “A Meta spokesperson said the EU wrongly assumes WhatsApp’s business programming interface is a key distribution channel for chatbots.”
  — Julie Chang ([00:55])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:29] – EU objects to Meta’s WhatsApp policies over AI chatbot access
• [01:11] – Eli Lilly acquires Orna Therapeutics for up to $2.4 billion
• [01:41] – STMicroelectronics inks multi-billion-dollar deal with Amazon Web Services

Tone & Style

The reporting, delivered by Julie Chang, is succinct, direct, and fact-focused—hallmarks of the WSJ’s journalistic style. The language is neutral and businesslike, making it accessible yet informative for tech-savvy listeners and general audiences alike.