WSJ Tech News Briefing: TNB Tech Minute – Meta Beats FTC’s Antitrust Case

Date: November 18, 2025
Host: Julie Chang

Episode Overview

This episode of the WSJ Tech News Briefing delivers a concise roundup of pivotal developments in the tech industry, with a focus on Meta’s victory in the FTC antitrust case, major AI investment news involving Nvidia, Microsoft, and Anthropic, Google’s latest Gemini 3 AI model, and concerns over a potential AI bubble in tech stocks.
Julie Chang walks listeners through the headlines, offering direct reporting and quick analysis.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Meta Triumphs Over FTC Antitrust Lawsuit

• [00:17] Key Story:

  • A federal judge has dismissed the Federal Trade Commission’s antitrust lawsuit against Meta.
  • The FTC alleged Meta maintains an illegal monopoly in social media, stemming from its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp.
  • The attempt to force Meta to unwind these acquisitions was denied.

• Impact:

  • This ruling shields Meta from being compelled to divest Instagram and WhatsApp, preserving its position in the social media ecosystem.

• Notable Quote:

  • Julie Chang [00:32]:

    “A Meta spokesman said the outcome recognizes that Meta faces fierce competition…”

• Reaction:

  • No immediate comment from the FTC.

2. Major AI Investment: Nvidia, Microsoft, and Anthropic

• [00:45] News Brief:

  • Nvidia and Microsoft to invest up to $15 billion in Anthropic, an emerging AI company.
  • Anthropic commits to buying $30 billion of computing power from Microsoft, cementing a new AI alliance.

• Insight:

  • Despite being rivals, big tech companies are partnering amid the global AI race—a necessity given the scale and resource demands of AI development.

• Industry Dynamics:

  • Microsoft is already a significant investor in OpenAI, Anthropic’s competitor.
  • Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei have previously clashed over chip exports and AI’s impact on jobs.

3. Google Launches Gemini 3 AI Model

• [01:18] Tech Release:
  • Google introduces Gemini 3, an advanced large language model.
  • Gemini 3 promises more sophisticated answers, improved coding abilities, better app development, and enhanced image generation.

4. Market Impact: AI Bubble Fears and Tech Stock Declines

• [01:36] Market Report:

  • US markets down for the fourth consecutive session, led by declines in tech giants like Nvidia.
  • Chip stocks such as AMD and Micron see notable drops, putting pressure on the Nasdaq composite.

• Concerns:

  • Investors are wary of high valuations and increasing debt tied to AI/data center expansion.
  • Survey Insight:
    • BofA survey: 45% of fund managers believe an AI bubble is the leading market risk.
    • There’s concern companies may be overspending on AI projects.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Meta’s Legal Victory:

  • Julie Chang [00:32]:

    “A Meta spokesman said the outcome recognizes that Meta faces fierce competition…”

• On Market Fears:

  • Julie Chang [01:55]:

    “A new survey by Bank of America found that 45% of fund managers see an AI bubble as the top tail risk for markets and are concerned that companies are overspending on AI related projects.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:17 – Meta Beats FTC Antitrust Suit
• 00:45 – Nvidia & Microsoft’s Investment in Anthropic
• 01:18 – Google Launches Gemini 3
• 01:36 – AI Bubble Fears & Tech Stock Declines

Episode Tone & Takeaways

• The episode is brisk, news-focused, and informative, reflecting the urgency and high stakes in both tech regulation and AI development.
• Despite fierce competition and regulatory headwinds, partnership and cross-investment are central themes, underscoring the complexity of alliances in AI.
• Cautious optimism about AI innovation is tempered by investor anxiety regarding a potential market bubble.

Listeners emerge with a clear, up-to-the-minute grasp of top tech headlines, accompanied by brief analysis straight from the WSJ team.