WSJ Tech News Briefing – TNB Tech Minute: Secret Service Stops Telecom Threat Ahead of U.N. General Assembly

Date: September 23, 2025
Host: Zoe Culkin (for The Wall Street Journal)

Episode Overview

This TNB Tech Minute delivers concise tech news headlines for the morning of Tuesday, September 23, 2025. The central theme is a major law enforcement action by the U.S. Secret Service, which disrupted a potentially significant telecommunication threat before the U.N. General Assembly in New York. The episode also covers key developments in the semiconductor industry and the latest legal maneuvers in the Google antitrust case.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Secret Service Dismantles Telecom Threat Network

[00:31]

• The U.S. Secret Service disclosed the dismantling of a widespread network of electronic devices in the New York Tri-State area.
• Purpose of the network: Capable of carrying out telecommunication threats, including shutting down cell services—a critical risk with the U.N. General Assembly scheduled in New York.
• Scale of the operation: The network comprised 300 servers and 100,000 SIM cards discovered across multiple sites.
• Early investigation findings: Devices showed communication with "nation state threat actors," but both identity and intent of those responsible remain under investigation.

"The U.S. Secret Service says it dismantled a network of electronic devices throughout the New York Tri-State area that was capable of carrying out telecommunication threats like shutting down cell services ahead of the UN General Assembly this week."
— Zoe Culkin [00:33]

"The Secret Service said early analysis shows that the devices have communicated with nation state threat actors, but it's still looking into who's responsible and what their intentions were."
— Zoe Culkin [01:03]

2. ASM International's Revenue Forecast Cut Amid Shifting Chip Demand

[01:12]

• ASM International, a major player in semiconductor equipment, lowers its full-year revenue forecast.
• Cause: Lower than expected demand for semiconductor manufacturing equipment, specifically for logic and foundry orders tied to smartphones, computers, and similar devices.
• Context: At the same time, demand is increasing for "smaller, more efficient chips to power AI," highlighting a shift in where chip industry growth is occurring.

"ASM International cut its revenue forecast for the year due to lower than expected demand for semiconductor making equipment... appetite for logic and foundry orders from customers who want to make integrated circuits that power smartphones, computers and other devices has declined as of late."
— Zoe Culkin [01:23]

3. Google’s Antitrust Case Moves Into Remedies Phase

[01:44]

• The high-profile antitrust case against Google over its digital advertising business moves to the next phase.
• The current focus: What remedies the District judge should impose to foster greater competition.
• The Justice Department's landmark request: Google could be ordered to divest its ad exchange (“its exchange that connects buyers and sellers of ads”), a significant departure from previous antitrust remedies.
• Google’s response: The company says such a remedy would be "radical" and "has never been imposed on a company facing similar claims."

"The Justice Department has asked the judge to order Google to divest its exchange that connects buyers and sellers of ads. While Google argues that would be a radical solution, that's never been imposed on a company facing similar claims."
— Zoe Culkin [01:55]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "The U.S. Secret Service says it dismantled a network of electronic devices throughout the New York Tri-State area that was capable of carrying out telecommunication threats like shutting down cell services ahead of the UN General Assembly this week."
  — Zoe Culkin [00:33]

• "The Secret Service said early analysis shows that the devices have communicated with nation state threat actors, but it's still looking into who's responsible and what their intentions were."
  — Zoe Culkin [01:03]

• "ASM International cut its revenue forecast for the year due to lower than expected demand for semiconductor making equipment..."
  — Zoe Culkin [01:23]

• "Justice Department has asked the judge to order Google to divest its exchange that connects buyers and sellers of ads. While Google argues that would be a radical solution..."
  — Zoe Culkin [01:55]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:31] — Secret Service telecom threat bust ahead of U.N. General Assembly
• [01:12] — ASM International cuts revenue forecast; chip industry insights
• [01:44] — Google antitrust case enters remedies phase

Tone and Style

The episode maintains a factual, authoritative, and urgent tone, delivering essential insights to tech industry professionals and watchers. Host Zoe Culkin’s delivery is focused and concise, capturing the gravity of the national security story while succinctly briefing listeners on critical business and legal developments.