European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said Europe needs its own AI technology and more data centers to avoid being vulnerable to pressure from the US or China. She warned that relying on foreign AI providers could give trade partners significant leverage in negotiations. The remarks highlight growing EU concerns about technological sovereignty.
An environmental campaign group says chemical makers are ramping up output of PFAS, the persistent "forever chemicals", to meet demand tied to AI data centres. The warning comes amid growing regulatory scrutiny of the substances over health and environmental concerns. Manufacturers have not commented on the claim.
A Guardian editorial cartoon looks at both the advantages and the criticisms attached to the rapid build-out of AI data centres. It touches on themes such as energy and water consumption, land use and local community impact that increasingly shape debate over AI infrastructure. The piece is opinion commentary rather than a reported news story.
New analysis from environmental thinktank Verdant estimates that UK datacentres will employ about 10,400 people, far below the roughly 40,000 jobs the tech sector has projected. The research also highlights the large energy demands these facilities place on the grid.