What’s Different for Tech in the Second Wave: The Information’s Tech Briefing

What’s interesting about the latest in pandemic-related news, from a business perspective, is what has changed since the beginning—and what hasn’t. As infections rise sharply, we’re seeing reports of a second wave of layoffs as businesses that had reopened close again. What’s different from late March, though, is how big tech is affected.

Back then, tech companies had a chance to polish their battered images. We were reminded of the value of Facebook’s core product in connecting people quarantined at home. Amazon’s e-commerce business was seen as a lifeline. Meanwhile, amid widespread layoffs, big tech was an oasis of job stability. That sparked questions about whether employee activism might dissipate or whether antitrust inquiries might stall amid the Covid focus.