WSJ Tech News Briefing:

TNB Tech Minute – Uber Faces Amended Lawsuit Over Billing, Cancellation Practices
Date: December 15, 2025
Host: Julie Chang

Episode Overview

In this rapid-fire tech briefing, Julie Chang summarizes the day’s major technology news stories, spotlighting an escalating lawsuit facing Uber regarding its subscription billing and cancellation practices. The episode also highlights Ford’s major financial setback in its electric vehicle (EV) strategy and reveals Xerox’s search for new financing amidst continued losses.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Escalating Legal Pressure on Uber (00:08)

• What Happened:
  • Twenty-one states and Washington, D.C. have joined the Federal Trade Commission in amending an ongoing lawsuit against Uber.
  • The case concerns allegations of deceptive billing and cancellation practices around Uber’s subscription service.
• Specific Allegations:
  • Charging customers without consent.
  • Failing to deliver promised savings.
  • Making it difficult for users to cancel subscriptions.
• Latest Developments:
  • The amended complaint, filed on December 15th, seeks civil penalties, claiming Uber violated both state and federal laws.
• Uber’s Response:
  • Uber maintains its ”subscription service signup and cancellation processes are clear and follow the law,” declaring intent to “defend itself in court.”

Notable Quote:

“The lawsuit, originally filed in April, alleges that the ride hailing company's subscription service charged customers without their cons, failed to deliver promised savings and made it hard for users to cancel.”
— Julie Chang (00:15)

2. Ford Faces Record Write-down on Electric Vehicles (00:48)

• Financial Impact:
  • Ford expects to take a $19.5 billion write-down, driven mainly by underperformance in its EV business.
  • This is among the largest impairments ever recorded by a US company, especially for the auto industry.
• Industry Context:
  • Marks the US auto industry’s “biggest reckoning to date that it can't realize its EV ambitions anytime soon.”
• Strategic Shift:
  • Ford CEO says the company will pivot, strengthening its internal combustion and hybrid vehicle offerings, and continue developing “extended range” EVs.
  • Since 2023, Ford has lost $13 billion on its EV business, underscoring the challenge.
• Looking Forward:
  • Ford insists it’s still on track to launch a $30,000 EV pickup.

Notable Quote:

“The automaker said it's expecting to record a roughly $19.5 billion charge, primarily due to write downs in its electric vehicle business. The sum is among the largest impairments taken by a company and marks the US Auto industry's biggest reckoning to date that it can't realize its EV ambitions anytime soon.”
— Julie Chang (00:53)

3. Xerox's Debt and Intellectual Property Play (01:38)

• Financing Strategy:
  • Xerox seeks to raise about $500 million in new loans, using its intellectual property as collateral to buttress liquidity.
• Context:
  • With ongoing losses amid the rise of digital workplaces, the company pivots to asset-backed financing.
• Comments:
  • Xerox did not respond to requests for comment, reflecting the sensitive nature of the negotiations.

Notable Quote:

“People familiar with the matter say Xerox is looking to raise a loan of about $500 million secured against its IP to help bolster its liquidity.”
— Julie Chang (01:43)

Memorable Moments & Tone

• Direct and Concise Delivery:
  • Julie Chang’s tone is brisk and informative, succinctly laying out key facts and industry implications for each headline.
• Emphasis on Industry Shifts:
  • The episode spotlights broader tech and auto industry trends, from regulatory scrutiny to the ongoing viability of electric vehicles and shifts in corporate financing.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:08] Uber faces amended lawsuit: details, allegations, and Uber’s response
• [00:48] Ford announces $19.5 billion EV business write-down, pivots strategy
• [01:38] Xerox pursues $500M loan against IP, struggles with digitization

Closing

For a comprehensive dive into these and other technology stories, listeners are encouraged to tune in to the following day’s full-length WSJ Tech News Briefing.