WSJ Tech News Briefing

Episode: TNB Tech Minute: White House Officials Discussing 10% Stake in Intel
Date: August 18, 2025
Host: Julie Chang, The Wall Street Journal

Episode Overview

This episode of the TNB Tech Minute provides key updates from the world of technology and business. The main themes include a potential White House investment in Intel, the rising threat of AI-powered deepfake scams, and the impact of global tech and trade developments on Taiwan’s markets. The briefing delivers concise but substantial insights into how policy, innovation, and cyber threats are shaping the tech landscape in the United States and abroad.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. White House Considers 10% Stake in Intel

[00:16–00:57]

• U.S. government officials are in active talks about acquiring a 10% equity stake in Intel.
• The move is part of a government effort to support the embattled chipmaker and strengthen domestic semiconductor manufacturing.
• Discussions involve potentially converting parts of the money Intel was scheduled to receive from the Chips Act of 2022 into this equity stake.
• The precise structure and terms of the investment “haven’t been finalized,” reflecting ongoing, high-level policy deliberations.

Notable Quote:
"The move would be part of a government EFF to rescue the embattled chipmaker and bolster semiconductor manufacturing in the US."
— Julie Chang, [00:23]

2. Surge in CEO Deepfake Attacks

[00:58–01:41]

• There is a significant rise in AI-driven deepfake scams targeting companies, with a focus on impersonating executives to steal money and sensitive data.
• Cybersecurity experts link this trend to the proliferation of low-cost, sophisticated AI language and image models.
• U.S. saw over 105,000 deepfake-related attacks last year—or roughly one every five minutes—representing a “massive increase from 2023.”
• Brian Long, CEO of Adaptive Security, highlights the growing prevalence and scale of these attacks.

Notable Quote:
"In the US there were more than 105,000 deepfake related attacks last year, or roughly an attack every five minutes. That's a massive increase from 2023."
— Julie Chang, quoting Brian Long, [01:25]

3. Taiwan’s Market Rallies Amid Trade Tensions

[01:42–02:11]

• Taiwan’s benchmark index reached a record high, driven by easing trade tensions and strong tech earnings, especially in the AI and emerging tech sectors.
• The US announced a reduction in planned tariffs on imports from Taiwan—from 32% to 20%—with further negotiations underway.
• Despite ongoing trade turbulence, Taiwan’s statistics office upgraded the economic growth forecast for 2025, citing robust demand for AI technology and applications.

Notable Quote:
"Despite that trade turbulence, Taiwan's statistics office raised its 2025 gross domestic product growth forecast, citing strong demand for AI and emerging technology applications."
— Julie Chang, [02:08]

Memorable Moments & Tone

• Julie Chang maintains a brisk, informative tone throughout, packing multiple breaking news items into a succinct two-minute runtime.
• The reporting style blends hard news with essential industry context, emphasizing both urgency and longer-term significance.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On government investing in Intel:
  "The move would be part of a government EFF to rescue the embattled chipmaker and bolster semiconductor manufacturing in the US."
  — Julie Chang, [00:23]

• On the deepfake attack epidemic:
  "In the US there were more than 105,000 deepfake related attacks last year, or roughly an attack every five minutes. That's a massive increase from 2023."
  — Julie Chang, quoting Brian Long, [01:25]

• On Taiwan’s tech-fueled growth:
  "Despite that trade turbulence, Taiwan's statistics office raised its 2025 gross domestic product growth forecast, citing strong demand for AI and emerging technology applications."
  — Julie Chang, [02:08]

Segment Timestamps

• 00:16 – 00:57: White House and Intel stake discussions
• 00:58 – 01:41: CEO deepfake scams and cybersecurity
• 01:42 – 02:11: Taiwan shares rally, trade and tech growth

This episode delivers an essential snapshot of rapidly shifting dynamics in tech policy, security, and international trade. For listeners seeking further analysis, the host recommends the full Tech News Briefing podcast's Tuesday and Friday editions.