AI Backlash Grows Amid Data Center Protests
A growing backlash against artificial intelligence is emerging, fueled by protests against data centers across the U.S., including a project in Gilroy, California, and concerns about their impact on noise, water use, and electricity rates. While experts acknowledge the backlash, most believe the immense private and governmental investment in AI will prevent a significant slowdown in its development. Calls for stronger guardrails and responsible deployment are expected to increase.
The article discusses a growing backlash against artificial intelligence (AI), questioning whether it is enough to slow the technology's momentum. High-profile events contributing to this sentiment include Pope Leo XIV's warning against unfettered AI, widespread protests against data centers across the U.S. (specifically mentioning a 'high-profile battle in Utah' and an Amazon data center rising in Gilroy, California), and controversial commencement speeches.
Experts are largely divided, but a majority believe AI's development is unstoppable. Caroline Freund of UC San Diego and Kelly Cunningham of the San Diego Institute for Economic Research argue that massive private capital investment and the U.S. government's priority to stay ahead of China in AI development will override attempts to restrict it. While they concede that backlash might lead to stronger guardrails or better monitoring, they don't expect it to halt the overall surge.
Conversely, some respondents acknowledge that the pace of AI growth might slow due to public concerns about its societal and labor market impacts, as well as opposition to data centers stemming from issues like noise, water usage, and strain on electricity grids. However, other experts, including Mark Kersey of the San Diego County Taxpayers Association, emphasize that the potential upsides of AI and substantial financial commitments by tech giants like Meta, Amazon, and Google, coupled with national security interests, will ensure its continued rapid advancement.