SoftBank is investing €75 billion to build 5 gigawatts of AI data centres in France — 2026-05-31

## Short Segments DuckDuckGo sees a surge in app installs as Google revamps its search engine, Apple sets its sights on the eyewear industry, and Utah's governor responds to community backlash over a massive data center project. Plus, Tesla insiders express doubts about the safety of its self-driving technology, LG Electronics' stock soars on new automotive tech, and Tesla's robotaxi fleet in Texas is dwarfed by Waymo's. Coming up, SoftBank makes a massive investment in AI data centers in France. DuckDuckGo installs jumped 18% after Google killed the blue links. DuckDuckGo has experienced a significant increase in app installs following Google's announcement of a major overhaul to its search engine. The privacy-focused search engine saw a 18% rise in US app installs, with a notable 70% spike on Apple devices. This surge coincides with Google's shift towards a more AI-driven search experience, which some users are opting to avoid. The change highlights a growing demand for privacy-centric alternatives as users react to Google's evolving search strategy. DuckDuckGo's growth underscores the impact of Google's AI integration on user preferences, particularly among those seeking to maintain control over their search experience. Apple destroyed the mid-tier watch market. Now it’s coming for the $200 billion eyewear industry. Apple is reportedly preparing to enter the eyewear market, a move that could disrupt the $200 billion industry much like it did with wristwatches. The tech giant's anticipated smart glasses could challenge established players like EssilorLuxottica and Meta, who have already made strides in the smart eyewear space. Apple's entry is expected to leverage its brand strength and technological prowess, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape. As Apple gears up for this new venture, the eyewear market may face a significant shift, with traditional and tech companies vying for dominance in this emerging sector. A 9-gigawatt data centre outraged a Utah community. The governor just issued new rules. In response to public outcry over a proposed 9-gigawatt data center in Utah, Governor Spencer Cox has issued an executive order to establish stricter guidelines for data center development. The Stratos Project, backed by investor Kevin O’Leary, faced backlash due to environmental concerns and its potential impact on local resources. The new rules aim to protect the Great Salt Lake and ensure community input in future projects. This development highlights the growing tension between technological expansion and environmental stewardship, as states navigate the balance between economic growth and ecological preservation. The people who trained Tesla’s self-driving AI won’t ride in it. Despite being instrumental in training Tesla's self-driving AI, several former data labelers and engineers have expressed reluctance to ride in vehicles using the Full Self-Driving mode. Concerns about safety and reliability were cited, with some insiders highlighting instances of the AI failing to brake or speeding. This skepticism from those closest to the technology raises questions about the readiness of Tesla's autonomous systems for widespread deployment. As Tesla continues to push for advancements in self-driving technology, the feedback from its own workforce underscores the challenges in achieving a truly autonomous future. LG Electronics stock jumped 24% in a day after unveiling Google-based car tech that cuts automaker costs. LG Electronics saw its stock soar nearly 24% following the announcement of new automotive solutions built on Google's Android Automotive OS. The technology promises to reduce costs for automakers by integrating multiple displays through a single system-on-chip. This innovation positions LG as a key player in the automotive tech space, offering a cost-effective solution that enhances vehicle functionality. The market's positive reaction reflects confidence in LG's ability to capitalize on the growing demand for advanced in-car technology, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape in automotive electronics. Tesla has 42 robotaxis in Texas. Waymo has 577. The gap is now public record. Newly released data reveals a stark contrast between Tesla and Waymo's robotaxi fleets in Texas. Tesla operates just 42 autonomous vehicles, while Waymo boasts 577, highlighting a significant gap in deployment scale. This information comes as Texas implements a new law requiring autonomous vehicle operators to register with the state, providing transparency into the industry's growth. The disparity underscores the challenges Tesla faces in scaling its robotaxi service, as it competes with more established players like Waymo in the rapidly evolving autonomous vehicle market. ## Feature Story SoftBank is investing €75 billion to build 5 gigawatts of AI data centres in France. SoftBank has announced a monumental investment of €75 billion to develop 5 gigawatts of AI data center capacity in France, marking its largest AI infrastructure commitment in Europe. This ambitious project aims to bolster France's AI capabilities and support European technological sovereignty. The initial phase will focus on constructing data centers in Dunkirk, Bosquel, and Bouchain, delivering 3.1 gigawatts of capacity to the Hauts-de-France region by 2031. This investment aligns with SoftBank's strategy to anchor advanced data center manufacturing in Europe, partnering with Schneider Electric to enhance local infrastructure. The announcement comes as AI continues to transform industries globally, with countries vying to establish themselves as leaders in this technological revolution. By investing heavily in AI infrastructure, SoftBank positions itself at the forefront of this shift, potentially influencing the future of AI development in Europe. The collaboration with France underscores the strategic importance of building robust AI ecosystems to drive innovation and economic growth. As the project unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor its impact on the European AI landscape and the broader implications for global AI competition. The scale of SoftBank's investment highlights the growing recognition of AI as a critical driver of future technological advancements. This development sets the stage for increased collaboration between tech giants and governments, as they work together to shape the future of AI infrastructure and innovation.