WSJ Tech News Briefing - Episode Summary

Title: Why a State Department Office Battling Disinformation Abroad Is Facing Closure
Host: James Rundle
Release Date: November 15, 2024

1. Lithium-Ion Battery Safety: Addressing Fire Risks in Industrial Settings

Overview:
The episode opens with a discussion on the prevalent risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, particularly in industrial environments where large clusters of these batteries are used. James Rundle interviews WSJ reporter Stuart Condy to delve into the safety challenges and the innovative solutions companies are developing to mitigate these risks.

Key Points:

• Fire Hazards of Lithium-Ion Batteries:
  Stuart Condy explains that while lithium-ion batteries are generally safe, fires can occur and are exceptionally dangerous. These fires burn hotter than a blowtorch, making them challenging to extinguish. Conventional firefighting methods, like spraying water, can exacerbate the situation by causing lithium to split into oxygen and hydrogen, both of which are highly flammable, thereby fueling the fire further.
  Notable Quote:
  Stuart Condy [02:02]: “Spraying water on them can make the situation worse… you actually end up adding fuel to the fire, quite literally.”

• Engineering Solutions:
  To combat these fire risks, companies are exploring alternatives to lithium. Stuart mentions that using heavier, non-flammable metals in batteries can reduce fire hazards. Although this makes the batteries less lightweight, it enhances safety in large-scale storage applications.
  Notable Quote:
  Stuart Condy [02:49]: “If your battery doesn't need to be small or light, you can use heavier metals… making batteries even less prone to fire risk.”

• Industry Implementation:
  An example provided is Australia's Origin Energy, which has invested in Allegro Energy to install advanced battery systems at coal-fired power plants slated for closure. This initiative aims to test and potentially scale up safer battery technologies for broader industrial use.
  Notable Quote:
  Stuart Condy [03:55]: “Origin Energy has taken a 5% stake in Allegro Energy... they're going to test out the battery while the plant is operational.”

• Economic and Commercial Challenges:
  The transition to safer battery technologies faces economic hurdles. Stuart highlights that proving the viability of new technologies requires substantial investment and successful pilot projects to attract further funding and adoption. The competitive landscape demands that new solutions demonstrate clear advantages over existing alternatives.
  Notable Quote:
  Stuart Condy [04:39]: “You need to prove the use case first. No one's going to plow money into a project while there are cheaper or better proved alternatives.”

2. Disinformation Threats and the Potential Closure of the Global Engagement Center

Overview:
The episode shifts focus to national security, examining the rising threats of disinformation from adversarial nations like Russia, China, and Iran. James Rundle speaks with national security correspondent Michael Gordon about the Global Engagement Center (GEC), an office within the State Department dedicated to countering foreign disinformation, which is now facing potential closure.

Key Points:

• Role and Function of the Global Engagement Center:
  Michael Gordon outlines that the GEC specializes in identifying and countering disinformation campaigns aimed at foreign audiences. Operating with a modest budget of approximately $60 million and staffed by 130 employees, the GEC collaborates closely with the National Security Agency to gather and analyze intelligence on disinformation activities.
  Notable Quote:
  Michael Gordon [06:57]: “It's a kind of David and Goliath situation… the US has stood up this activity to fight a pretty focused and determined campaign.”

• Political Controversies:
  The funding and mandate of the GEC have become contentious in domestic politics. Critics argue that efforts to curb foreign disinformation might infringe upon free speech and lead to censorship, especially when actions involve identifying and shutting down platforms disseminating false information. This debate has fueled calls for the center's closure.
  Notable Quote:
  Michael Gordon [07:21]: “In American domestic politics, there have been debates about whether efforts to curb Russian disinformation… may inadvertently trend into censorship and curb free speech.”

• Implications of Potential Closure:
  Scheduled for reauthorization on December 23rd, the GEC's future hangs in the balance as Congress deliberates. The timing is critical, occurring just weeks before President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, with no clear stance from his transition team. The potential shutdown raises concerns about the US's capacity to effectively counter evolving disinformation tactics, especially with the rise of generative AI technologies enhancing the scale and sophistication of propaganda efforts.
  Notable Quote:
  Michael Gordon [09:50]: “The next few weeks are going to be decisive and seeing whether the mandate will be extended.”

• Impact of Generative AI on Disinformation:
  Michael emphasizes that generative AI has significantly amplified the ability of adversaries to produce and disseminate disinformation. This technological advancement lowers the barriers for creating convincing fake content, making it harder to distinguish between genuine and fabricated information.
  Notable Quote:
  Michael Gordon [10:00]: “Social media AI has enabled Russia and China to propagate their disinformation… to spread it very efficiently around the world.”

• Real-World Consequences:
  A poignant example highlighted is the disinformation spread in Africa, where false narratives about Western-funded public health initiatives have led to distrust and reluctance in adopting life-saving measures like vaccinations. This illustrates the tangible harm disinformation can inflict on public health and international relations.
  Notable Quote:
  Michael Gordon [10:30]: “They spread the disinformation that these are diabolical Pentagon biological warfare experiments… dissuaded Africans from getting the public health care they need.”

• Achievements of the GEC:
  Despite challenges, the GEC has had notable successes in identifying and exposing disinformation campaigns. For instance, during the first Trump administration, it played a significant role in countering Russian narratives that undermined public trust in COVID-19 vaccines like Moderna and Pfizer.
  Notable Quote:
  Michael Gordon [11:17]: “When you expose the hidden hand behind it… it diminishes its effectiveness.”

Conclusion

The episode of WSJ Tech News Briefing provides an in-depth exploration of two critical issues in the tech and national security landscape. The discussion on lithium-ion battery safety underscores the ongoing efforts and challenges in making industrial technologies safer, highlighting the delicate balance between innovation and risk management. Simultaneously, the examination of disinformation threats and the potential closure of the Global Engagement Center sheds light on the vulnerabilities of information integrity in the digital age and the political complexities surrounding national security initiatives. Through expert insights and detailed analysis, the episode offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of these pressing contemporary issues.