WSJ Tech News Briefing

Episode: TNB Tech Minute: FTC Orders Instacart to Pay $60 Million Over Deceptive Practices
Host: Julie Chang
Date: December 18, 2025

Episode Overview

This concise Tech Minute episode covers fast-breaking developments at the intersection of technology, regulation, cybersecurity, and defense. The headline story is the Federal Trade Commission’s significant penalty against Instacart over deceptive consumer practices. Additional updates include an Iranian-linked cyberattack on Israeli officials and a major satellite data deal designed to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. FTC Orders Instacart to Pay $60M Over Deceptive Practices

(00:17 – 01:11)

• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has ordered Instacart to pay $60 million in refunds to customers to settle allegations of deceptive business practices.
• The FTC accused Instacart of:
  • Falsely advertising free delivery and a "100% satisfaction guarantee."
  • Insufficiently disclosing the terms of the Instacart Plus membership.
  • Continuing to charge service fees for deliveries that were advertised as free.
  • Not fulfilling the promise of a refund to unsatisfied customers despite the satisfaction guarantee.
• Instacart denies all allegations.
• Memorable moment (00:26):

  “The FTC alleged that the grocery delivery platform falsely advertised free delivery and 100% satisfaction guarantee and also didn't adequately disclose the terms for Instacart plus membership.” — Julie Chang

2. Iranian-Linked Cyberattack on Israeli Officials

(01:11 – 01:47)

• An Iranian-linked hacker group leaked sensitive personal data belonging to former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, which included private chat messages and a contact list with world leaders.
• This breach follows increased "hack and leak" operations targeting Israeli officials and government agencies since October 2023, coinciding with the conflict in Gaza.
• Victims have included the Justice Ministry, Ministry of National Security, and hospital medical records.
• The attacks are described as less sophisticated, often exploiting outdated or unpatched security systems or using phishing.
• Israeli officials expect these cyberattacks to persist as a form of asymmetric warfare against escalation.
• Notable quote (01:41):

  “Experts note a huge uptick in these less sophisticated attacks, which often target out of date or unpatched security systems or use phishing.” — Julie Chang

3. Germany’s $2 Billion Space-Based Reconnaissance Deal

(01:47 – 02:11)

• German defense group Rheinmetall will partner with satellite operator EISI to provide the German armed forces with high-end satellite reconnaissance data.
• This $2 billion contract aims to enhance security for the German Armed Forces’ Lithuania brigade and NATO’s eastern flank in light of ongoing tensions with Russia.
• The first joint venture satellites are scheduled for production in the third quarter of 2026.
• Useful detail (01:58):

  “Rheinmetall said the data would mainly be used to protect the German Armed Forces Lithuania brigade and secure NATO's eastern flank at a time when tensions with Russia remain high.” — Julie Chang

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:17 — FTC orders $60M Instacart settlement overview
• 01:11 — Iranian-linked cyberattack on Israeli officials
• 01:47 — German space reconnaissance deal announcement

Notable Quotes

• On Instacart’s alleged deceptive practices:

  “The FTC claimed consumers were still charged a service fee for deliveries and said that Instacart's satisfaction guarantee implied a refund to unsatisfied customers, which the company didn't do.”
  — Julie Chang, 00:40

• On Iranian-linked hacks:

  “These attacks have compromised data from the Justice Ministry, the Ministry of National Security and hospital medical records.”
  — Julie Chang, 01:31

• On growing cyber threats:

  “Israeli officials expect Iranian cyberattacks to continue as they give Iran a way to fight without escalating to all out war.”
  — Julie Chang, 01:44

Tone & Style

The tone is brisk, factual, and direct, consistent with WSJ’s news delivery style. Julie Chang delivers the developments with clarity and without editorializing.

Summary Takeaway

This fast-paced Tech Minute delivers significant headlines: a $60 million regulatory blow to Instacart, new evidence of cyberwarfare targeting Israeli leadership, and Germany’s substantial investment in satellite intelligence to protect NATO’s vulnerable borders. Each story highlights the complex and evolving relationship between technology, geopolitics, and public trust.