WSJ Tech News Briefing:
TNB Tech Minute - Iran Hunts Down Starlink Users to Stop Spread of Protest Videos
Date: January 13, 2026
Host: Julie Chang
Episode Overview
This Tech Minute episode centers on three rapid-fire tech news updates:
- Iran's crackdown on Starlink usage during widespread protests
- An escalating legal battle between AI startup Percepta and Palantir
- SK Hynix’s major new chip facility investment to meet surging AI demand
Julie Chang delivers concise insights into how technology, geopolitics, and industry shifts are intersecting in real time.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Iran’s Crackdown on Starlink to Block Protest Videos
[00:17-00:57]
- Situation:
- Iranian authorities are intensifying efforts to find and disable Starlink satellite dishes, which have become a lifeline for citizens sharing protest videos after domestic internet outages.
- The regime has banned Starlink, labeling it illegal, and is conducting door-to-door searches in western Tehran to confiscate dishes.
- Last week, the government also cut most internet access and throttled phone services to suppress communication and protests.
- Context:
- Starlink, by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, provides internet via satellites, bypassing state-controlled infrastructure.
- According to a U.S. nonprofit against internet censorship, Starlink users are now being "hunted."
- Quote:
"Iran is intensifying efforts to jam Elon Musk's stock Starlink service in the country. Iranians have been relying on Starlink to share videos of growing protests and the regime's crackdown on anti government protesters."
— Julie Chang [00:18]
2. Legal Battle: Percepta vs. Palantir
[00:57-01:28]
- Summary:
- AI startup Percepta is denying allegations made by Palantir, who claims Percepta is poaching employees and stealing proprietary technology.
- Percepta, in a new legal filing, counters that Palantir is simply trying to stop its own employees from leaving.
- The dispute began when Palantir accused two Percepta co-founders (Ex-Palantir employees) of stealing trade secrets and violating non-solicitation agreements, also implicating a third employee in the theft of confidential documents.
- Percepta argues that the non-competition agreements cited by Palantir are too broad and not enforceable.
- Quote:
"Percepta disputed Palantir's claims that it violated non competition agreements, calling them overly broad."
— Julie Chang [01:24]
3. SK Hynix’s $13B Bet on AI Chip Demand
[01:28-01:50]
- Summary:
- SK Hynix, a leading supplier of advanced memory chips, announces a $13 billion investment in a new packaging and testing facility in South Korea.
- The move is driven by surging demand for high bandwidth memory chips (crucial for AI applications), with completion expected by the end of 2027.
- SK Hynix also has new facilities under construction in the U.S.
- The company projects the high bandwidth memory market will expand by 33% annually from 2025.
- Quote:
"SK Hynix expects the high bandwidth memory market to grow 33% annually on average from 2025."
— Julie Chang [01:46]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Iran’s crackdown:
"Users of [Starlink] are now being hunted, according to a US Nonprofit opposed to Internet censorship. Iranian authorities over the weekend began searching for and confiscating Starlink dishes in western Tehran."
— Julie Chang [00:34] -
On the Percepta-Palantir feud:
"Percepta instead accused Palantir of trying to deter employees from leaving."
— Julie Chang [01:11]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- [00:17] — Iran hunts and confiscates Starlink dishes to stem protest videos
- [00:57] — Percepta counters Palantir’s lawsuit in ongoing talent and trade secret dispute
- [01:28] — SK Hynix announces massive chip facility as AI chip demand soars
Overall Tone and Language
Julie Chang's delivery is brisk, factual, and focused on tech, policy, and industry implications. The reporting is precise and impartial, matching the Wall Street Journal's informative but concise tone.
Summary
This Tech Minute spotlights the collision of technology and geopolitics as Iran targets Starlink users to stymie protest movements, highlights a high-stakes legal clash in Silicon Valley’s AI sector, and captures the global race to capitalize on AI-driven chip demand. Listeners get a rapid update on significant tech developments that are shaping society, business, and international affairs.