WSJ Tech News Briefing – Summary
Episode: TNB Tech Minute: Meta to Use AI Chatbot Conversations to Target Ads
Date: October 1, 2025
Host: Julie Chang
Episode Overview
This Tech Minute episode delivers rapid updates on three major tech stories:
- Meta’s new policy using AI chatbot conversations for ad targeting,
- Stellantis expanding its AI partnership with Mistral, and
- Automakers’ reactions to the end of the US EV tax credit and its impact on electric vehicle (EV) sales.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Meta’s AI Chatbot Policy and Ad Personalization
- Meta will begin using conversations between users and its AI chatbot to help personalize advertisements and feed content.
- Example Provided:
“If users ask the Chatbot for nearby hiking recommendations, they might start seeing ads on Instagram and Facebook for hiking boots or other gear, as well as hiking related content from creators in feed.” (Julie Chang, 00:36)
- Policy Timeline:
- Goes into effect mid-December 2025.
- No Opt-Out Option:
- “People won’t be able to opt out.” (Julie Chang, 00:46)
- Privacy Measures:
- Meta states that conversations touching on “religious or political views, sexual orientation, health and racial or ethnic origin will be automatically excluded” from ad targeting. (Julie Chang, 00:48)
2. Stellantis and Mistral Deepen AI Collaboration
- Expansion of Partnership:
- Stellantis and AI company Mistral are set to speed up the adoption of advanced AI solutions across Stellantis operations.
- Integration Efforts:
- Over the past 18 months, the companies have worked together to develop and integrate Mistral’s AI models, such as in-car assistance features.
- Operational Commitment:
“They will now work on embedding generative AI directly into Stellantis core operations, and two new teams will be created to scale AI adoption across the carmaker from sales to production.” (Julie Chang, 01:14)
3. Big Setback for US Electric Vehicle Market
- Tax Credit Expires:
- The $7,500 US federal tax credit for EV purchases expired yesterday.
- Predicted Sales Plunge:
- Ford CEO forecasts, “EV market share will fall by more than half to 5% of total sales by the end of the year.” (Julie Chang, 01:31)
- Nissan’s Americas chairman describes October as likely “the worst market in years for EVs.” (Julie Chang, 01:38)
- Market Data:
- Dealers currently have approximately 134,000 unsold EVs (sourced from Cox Automotive).
- Automakers’ Response:
- GM is trying to “work with dealers on a way to extend the $7,500 credit for leases.” (Julie Chang, 01:44)
- Ford aims to help EV buyers by offering “competitive lease payments… through its finance arm until the end of the year.” (Julie Chang, 01:47)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “People won’t be able to opt out.” (Julie Chang, 00:46)
- “October should be the worst market in years for EVs.” (Nissan’s Americas chairman via Julie Chang, 01:38)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:26 — Meta unveils AI chatbot conversation ad-targeting and privacy rules
- 01:03 — Stellantis and Mistral expand strategic AI partnership
- 01:29 — Fallout from the end of the US EV tax credit and automakers' mitigation strategies
Conclusion
This Tech Minute captures seismic shifts for user privacy and advertising (Meta), rapid AI integration in the automotive sector (Stellantis), and a potential crisis in the US electric vehicle market. Each story brings both market implications and a glimpse into tech’s evolving relationship with regulation, innovation, and consumer experience.