AI Technology uncover undeclared private pools in France

An unexpected windfall for French tax authorities after discovering thousands of undeclared private swimming pools in the country.

More than 20,000 hidden pools were discovered in France following an experiment using artificial intelligence (AI). According to French media, these pools have amassed around $9.9 million in revenue. Under French law, pools can lead to higher property taxes, which must be declared as they boost property values. 

During a trial of the software developed by Capgemini, a French consulting firm, and Google in October 2021, pools are spotted on aerial images of nine French regions. The regions of Vendée, Maine-et-Loire, Var, Bouches-du-Rhône, Morbihan, Haute -Savoie, Alpes-Maritimes, Ardèche, and Rhône were part of the trial - but tax officials say it may now be rolled out nationwide.

According to the data website Statista, there were more than 3.2 million private swimming pools in France in 2020, with sales already booming before the Covid pandemic. According to the French newspaper Le Parisien, an average pool of 30 sq m is taxed at $200 a year. The tax authorities said that the software could eventually be used to find patios or gazebos and undeclared home extensions, which play a vital part in property taxes.