Google $9B Investment, OpenAI AI Training, DeepSeek Policy Chatbots

The artificial intelligence sector continues its rapid expansion, marked by significant investments and evolving applications. Google is injecting $9 billion into South Carolina over two years, focusing on expanding its data center operations to meet AI demand. These facilities will support high-density computing for AI model training and enterprise workloads, with an emphasis on sustainability through renewable energy and advanced cooling systems. This expansion also includes workforce development programs, aiming to train over 160 apprentices for tech and energy careers by 2030. Meanwhile, concerns about a potential AI investment bubble are growing, with some experts drawing parallels to the dot-com era. This rapid growth, requiring substantial energy and resources, is driving demand for power solutions like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), though a bubble burst could jeopardize these future contracts. In the realm of AI tools, Opera's Neon browser integrates multiple AI functions, though user experience can be inconsistent. To assess AI's advisory capabilities, POLITICO tested chatbots from OpenAI, Mistral, and DeepSeek with complex policy questions for European leaders. Tech firms, including Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic, are investing millions to train U.S. teachers in using AI for classrooms, aiming to enhance learning and teach AI ethics. However, the AI boom is also disrupting entry-level tech jobs for recent graduates, increasing competition. Elsewhere, AI is being used in deceptive ways, such as by scam websites creating fake online stores with AI-generated images, and investigations are underway into AI startups like Builder.ai for alleged financial misconduct. In a move to demystify AI, San Francisco is hosting 'prompt parties' for women to explore AI tools like Google's Gemini.

Key Takeaways

• Google is investing $9 billion in South Carolina over two years to expand data center operations for AI growth, focusing on sustainability and workforce development.
• Concerns are rising about a potential AI investment bubble, with comparisons to the dot-com era and potential impacts on data center and SMR projects.
• Opera's Neon browser attempts to consolidate AI tools, but user experience may be hindered by confusion and AI inaccuracies.
• POLITICO evaluated AI chatbots from OpenAI, Mistral, and DeepSeek for their potential to advise European leaders on policy matters.
• Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic are funding initiatives to train U.S. teachers in using AI in classrooms, including AI ethics.
• AI advancements are creating a more competitive job market for entry-level tech graduates.
• Scam websites are using AI-generated images and fake reviews to deceive customers, as seen with a fraudulent jeweler.
• U.S. investigators are probing AI startup Builder.ai for alleged financial fraud, with a subpoena issued to its former CFO.
• San Francisco is hosting 'prompt parties' for women to explore and learn about AI tools like Google's Gemini.
• Nscale secured $1.1 billion in funding and expanded a deal with Microsoft to supply 200,000 NVIDIA GPUs for AI infrastructure, following a director's exit.

Google invests $9B in South Carolina for AI growth

Google announced a $9 billion investment plan for South Carolina over two years to meet the rising demand for AI. This investment will expand its data center operations, including a new campus near Moncks Corner and two more near Summerville and St. George. The funds will also support workforce development programs by 2030 and a home weatherization initiative. This expansion aims to make South Carolina a key hub for the digital economy and AI innovation.

Google's SC data center expansion focuses on AI and sustainability

Google is expanding its South Carolina data center for AI, emphasizing sustainability and clean energy. The investment includes renewable power sources and advanced cooling systems to reduce water use. It also supports local workforce training through a grant to the Electrical Training Alliance, integrating AI into their curriculum. This project aims to strengthen South Carolina's role in digital and AI infrastructure while promoting job growth.

Google's $9B South Carolina investment boosts AI infrastructure

Google is investing $9 billion in South Carolina to expand its data center footprint, supporting AI infrastructure and workforce training. The investment will enhance its Berkeley County data center and develop new facilities in Dorchester County. These centers will provide the high-density computing needed for AI model training and enterprise workloads. The plan also includes programs for energy affordability and training over 160 apprentices for tech and energy careers.

Is the AI investment bubble about to burst?

Massive investments in AI, data centers, and related technologies are driving stock markets to record highs, but warnings of an AI bubble are growing. Experts like Mark Zuckerberg and Sam Altman have expressed concerns about overinvestment, with some economists comparing it to the dot-com bubble. The rapid growth requires huge amounts of energy and resources, increasing global competition. If the bubble bursts, it could trigger a significant economic crisis, similar to the 2007-09 housing crisis.

AI bubble burst could impact SMRs and microreactors

The booming AI industry is driving massive investments in data centers, which in turn fuels demand for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and microreactors for power. However, concerns are rising about an AI bubble due to detached stock valuations and unrealistic profit expectations. If this bubble bursts, it could lead to canceled data center projects and negatively impact SMR developers who rely on these future contracts for funding and investor confidence. Licensing challenges also pose a hurdle for SMRs.

Opera's Neon AI browser offers multiple tools but causes confusion

Opera's new Neon browser integrates three AI tools Chat, Do, and Make, alongside traditional features like ad blocking. While it aims to consolidate AI tasks, users may find it confusing to navigate between the different functions. Chat handles basic queries, Do performs browser tasks, and Make creates simple web tools. Despite its capabilities, the AI can be verbose, inaccurate, or slow, sometimes requiring human intervention, making the user experience feel less sophisticated than expected.

Which AI chatbot would advise Europe's leader?

POLITICO tested three AI chatbots ChatGPT from OpenAI, Le Chat from Mistral, and DeepSeek from China by asking them to act as advisors to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The chatbots were given 13 complex political and policy questions. The goal was to see which AI could provide concise, attention-grabbing advice with wit and flair, helping to determine which AI might be best suited to guide Europe's leadership.

San Francisco hosts AI 'prompt parties' for women

In San Francisco, former editors Nina Willdorf and Shoshana Berger are hosting monthly 'prompt parties' for women to explore and embrace artificial intelligence. Guests gather for wine and cheese, discussing how AI tools like Google's Gemini can assist with tasks such as finding clothing online. The events aim to demystify AI and encourage its use, turning potential wariness into enthusiasm for the technology.

Nscale director exits after $1.1bn investment round

Nathan Townsend, a founding director of AI infrastructure provider Nscale, has left the company shortly after it secured $1.1 billion in Series B funding. The company, which spun off from Arkon Energy, also saw another director depart. Nscale has appointed new board members, including Øyvind Eriksen, CEO of Aker ASA. This reshuffle follows Nscale's announcement of an expanded deal with Microsoft to supply 200,000 NVIDIA GB300 GPUs for AI infrastructures.

AI disrupts entry-level tech jobs for graduates

Recent computer science graduates are facing a challenging job market as AI advancements begin to disrupt entry-level roles. The field is becoming increasingly competitive and oversaturated. This shift means that new graduates may struggle to find employment in the tech industry as AI tools become capable of performing tasks previously handled by junior professionals.

Tech firms fund AI training for US teachers

Major tech companies like Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic are investing millions to train U.S. teachers in using AI chatbots for classrooms. Partnering with the American Federation of Teachers, this initiative aims to automate tasks, personalize learning, and teach AI ethics. While concerns about over-reliance and equity exist, the program could significantly change education by blending human teaching with AI efficiency.

Jeweler targeted by scam AI website

A legitimate jeweler in Hove, Scarlett Jewellery, is dealing with complaints from customers of a similarly named, fraudulent website called Scarlett Jewels. The scam site allegedly uses AI-generated images and fails to deliver products. Professor Ana Canhoto notes that such sites are common and use AI images and fake reviews to deceive customers. The Advertising Standards Authority has banned similar misleading ads, and Facebook has restricted Scarlett Jewels' advertising.

US probes AI startup Builder.ai, subpoenas ex-CFO

U.S. investigators are pursuing a criminal probe into the AI startup Builder.ai, which recently filed for bankruptcy. The FBI has subpoenaed former CFO Andres Elizondo for communications related to the company's financial reporting and its auditor. Prosecutors are seeking information on alleged wire fraud, securities fraud, and conspiracy. The investigation signals a move forward in examining the startup's financial practices, which were previously found to have inflated sales.

Sources

• Google shifts SC into the AI fast lane with a 2-year, $9B investment plan
• How is Google's Data Centre Boosting AI & Energy Efficiency?
• How Google's $9bn Investment will Boost AI in South Carolina
• When will the AI bubble burst?
• OPINION – What Future for SMRs if the AI Boom is a Bubble?
• Opera’s Neon shows just how confusing AI browsers still are
• Choose your chatbot to rule Europe
• An A.I. Party in San Francisco: Wine, Cheese and ChatGPT
• Nscale founding director exits AI infrastructure provider in wake o...
• Computer science graduates face shifting job market as AI disrupts entry-level roles
• Tech Giants Invest Millions in AI Training for U.S. Teachers
• Scarlett Jewellery in Hove contacted by 'AI' firm complainants
• US Subpoenas Builder.ai’s Ex-CFO for Auditor Communications