WSJ Tech News Briefing

TNB Tech Minute: Google Can Keep Chrome After Antitrust Ruling

Date: September 3, 2025
Host: Julie Chang

Overview

In this episode, host Julie Chang delivers a rapid update on three key developments shaping the tech world: a pivotal antitrust ruling involving Google and Apple, a major crypto move by the Trump family, and the U.S. government’s crackdown on semiconductor exports to China’s TSMC. The episode offers concise analysis on how these stories reflect broader trends in technology, regulation, and global business.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Google's Antitrust Ruling: Chrome and Search Dynamics

• [00:29 – 01:10]

  • A U.S. District judge ruled that Google cannot pay to be the exclusive search engine on devices and browsers—a blow to its previous distribution agreements.
  • Despite the restriction, Google can keep its Chrome browser and maintain its high-stakes partnership with Apple.
  • Key detail: Google pays Apple over $20 billion a year to be Safari’s default search provider.
  • Last year, the court determined that Google had illegally monopolized the search market via such deals.
  • The judge cited rapid changes in competitive dynamics, especially the influence of artificial intelligence technology, as a factor in maintaining the current arrangement for Chrome.

  Quote [Julie Chang, 00:33]:
  "A US District judge ruled yesterday that Google can't pay to be the exclusive search engine on devices and browsers, but allowed it to keep its Chrome browser and high stakes agreement with Apple."

2. Trump Family’s Crypto Expansion: Bitcoin Mining Firm IPO

• [01:10 – 01:35]

  • American Bitcoin, a mining company backed by Donald Trump’s two eldest sons, will list on the NASDAQ as ABTC.
  • The IPO occurs days after the Trump family gained up to $5 billion on paper from a separate digital token.
  • The move expands the Trump family’s “crypto empire”, raising fresh ethics concerns about presidential involvement in the sector.
  • The episode underscores the intersection of politics, family business, and the digital asset economy.

  Quote [Julie Chang, 01:17]:
  "The public listing comes days after the Trump family made as much as $5 billion on paper from a separate digital token, and it marks an expansion of the Trump family's crypto empire in the midst ethics lawyers concerns over the president's involvement in the industry."

3. US Revokes TSMC’s Export Authorization to China

• [01:35 – 01:58]

  • The U.S. is revoking Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing’s (TSMC) special authorization to freely ship American chipmaking equipment to its major Chinese site in Nanjing.
  • Validated End User status will end by year’s end, meaning future exports will require U.S. approval.
  • TSMC is reviewing its options; the U.S. Commerce Department has yet to comment.
  • The move reflects mounting tension over technology flow to China and efforts to tighten export control frameworks.

  Quote [Julie Chang, 01:45]:
  "TSMC said its validated end user status for the site will end at the end of the year ... The company said it's evaluating the situation and taking a appropriate measures."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On shifting market dynamics and AI:

  "The judge said yesterday that the competitive dynamics of the marketplace were changing, largely because of artificial intelligence technology."
  — Julie Chang [00:49]

• On ethics concerns with crypto and the Trumps:

  "... it marks an expansion of the Trump family's crypto empire in the midst ethics lawyers concerns over the president's involvement in the industry."
  — Julie Chang [01:30]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:29 – 01:10: Google antitrust ruling, Chrome, and AI’s influence
• 01:10 – 01:35: Trump-backed bitcoin miner’s NASDAQ listing and crypto empire
• 01:35 – 01:58: U.S. revokes TSMC’s export authorization for China-based chips

Tone and Style

The host maintains a brisk, neutral, and informative tone throughout, reflecting The Wall Street Journal’s journalistic clarity and focus on business and regulatory stakes.

Summary

This Tech Minute highlights major stories at the intersection of tech, law, and geopolitics. The Google ruling signals regulatory adaptation to AI-driven change, while the Trump family’s crypto moves raise questions about ethics and influence. The TSMC export crackdown underscores how chip manufacturing is a flashpoint in U.S.-China tech relations—each story signifying larger shifts in tech power and policy.