WSJ Tech News Briefing: "Google Proposes Ad Tech Changes to EU After $3.4 Billion Fine"

Date: November 14, 2025
Host: Julie Chang, Wall Street Journal

Episode Overview

This episode of the WSJ Tech News Briefing delivers a fast-paced update on three major tech developments: Google’s response to a record EU fine over ad tech practices, the ongoing downturn in cryptocurrency markets, and the enormous financial impact of a cyberattack on Jaguar Land Rover’s operations. The briefing focuses on regulatory, financial, and cybersecurity challenges shaping the tech industry.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Google’s $3.4 Billion Fine and Proposed Ad Tech Changes

• Google faces a $3.4 billion fine from the European Commission for allegedly abusing its dominance in the ad tech market.
• The EU claims Google gave its own ads services preferential treatment, disadvantaging rivals, citing a "conflict of interest due to its high profile on both the buy and sell side of the advertising business."
• Remedy Proposal: Google’s suggested fixes focus on improving interoperability between Google’s tools and competing products to offer publishers and advertisers more choice.
  • Importantly, Google is not offering to divest any parts of its business.
• The European Commission will now review Google’s proposals for adequacy.
• Notable Quote—Julie Chang (00:40):

  "Google has submitted proposals to the European Commission to address a $3.4 billion fine for alleged ad tech dominance, but it stopped short of offering to sell parts of the business."

2. Cryptocurrency Market Volatility

• Bitcoin’s value fell below $95,000, down about 8.5% for the week.
  • This places it more than 20% below its all-time high ($126,000) set in early October.
• The broader crypto market is also enduring steep losses as investors move away from speculative assets.
• Ether, the second-largest cryptocurrency, is also down 8.5% for the week.
• Investor Sentiment: Some investors remain optimistic.
  • Notable Quote—Julie Chang (01:20):

    "Eric Trump, co founder of bitcoin mining company American Bitcoin, said he views the current sell off as a buying opportunity."

• Key Timestamps:
  • (01:03) - Bitcoin declines and market overview
  • (01:20) - Investor perspective

3. Cyberattack Hits Jaguar Land Rover

• A cyberattack halted Range Rover production for over a month, costing owner Jaguar Land Rover in excess of $250 million in one-time expenses.
• The automaker reported a quarterly loss of nearly $750 million, a dramatic reversal from its $375 million profit in the previous year’s equivalent quarter.
• Key Timestamps:
  • (01:35) - Financial impacts and details of the attack

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Regulatory Concerns—Julie Chang (00:48):

  "According to the eu, the company holds an inherent conflict of interest due to its high profile on both the buy and sell side of the advertising business."

• Market Perspective—Julie Chang (01:20):

  "Eric Trump, co founder of bitcoin mining company American Bitcoin, said he views the current sell off as a buying opportunity."

• Industry Impact—Julie Chang (01:39):

  "Jaguar Land Rover said it swung to a quarterly loss of almost $750 million after stopping its assembly lines in September to manage the hack."

Structured Episode Flow (With Timestamps)

• [00:00–00:30] Introduction and Quick Quantum Computing Note*
• [00:30–01:03] Google’s antitrust troubles and proposed ad tech changes
• [01:03–01:32] Bitcoin and crypto market update, investor reactions
• [01:32–01:47] Jaguar Land Rover cyberattack impact

*Note: The episode also briefly featured IBM’s Katie Pizzolato on quantum computing at the very start, focusing on the vast potential and unknown future applications ("I'm most excited about the potential applications we don't know yet." (00:04)).

Summary Takeaways

• Google is trying to appease EU regulators over competition concerns by promising better interoperability but will not break up its ad tech operations.
• The cryptocurrency market is reeling, but some in the industry are viewing the downturn as an investment opportunity.
• Major cyberattacks can produce staggering and immediate financial consequences, as seen with Jaguar Land Rover’s massive quarterly swing.

This concise episode offers a snapshot of today’s most pressing tech industry developments—at the intersection of regulation, innovation, and global business risk.