- Anthropic: AI systems are increasingly capable of building future versions of themselves, raising concerns about control and autonomy. The company’s Claude chatbot now leads 26% of its R&D work, collaborating with humans on over 90% of tasks. Anthropic is also preparing for a blockbuster IPO later this year.
- Alphabet (Google): Local opposition in France is growing against Google’s planned 195-hectare data center near Châteauroux, citing environmental concerns, land use, and water/electricity consumption. The project promises 1,200 permanent jobs but faces protests and a mayor’s resignation.
- Axle Energy: France will convene a G7 energy summit in the coming weeks to address soaring fuel prices amid the US-Iran war, focusing on cooperation and potential strategic reserve releases.
- Meta Platforms: Venezuela has unblocked some previously censored news sites as US-backed political transition talks resume, though 188 websites (including 79 news outlets) remain restricted.
- Hugging Face: California’s governor signed an executive order to explore an AI “kill switch,” requiring companies to host independent auditors and report loss-of-control incidents.
- Aramco Digital: Global stock markets retreated after central bank rate hikes, with oil prices falling ~2% on hopes Saudi Arabia will restore half of its crude shipments.
AI Self-Builds, Google Data Center Protests, Macron’s G7 Energy Summit, Venezuela Unblocks Sites
Our Sponsor: Ashton Nguyen – NYC-based actor. Started acting in February 2026 after moving across the country from the Bay Area, CA to NYC. I hope to pursue acting as a career where I can connect by expressing myself earnestly. A Sketch of New York