An argument against data centers
An op-ed argues against Google building a hyperscale data center in Little Rock, Arkansas, refuting a former mayor's pro-development stance. The author highlights Google's questionable ethics and the speculative nature of the AI industry. The piece warns of increased electricity and water costs for residents, drawing parallels to historical resource exploitation in the state.
An op-ed published in the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette by Guy Lancaster, editor of the online Encyclopedia of Arkansas, refutes former mayor Jim Dailey's call for central Arkansas residents to welcome a hyperscale data center from Google in Little Rock.
Lancaster's argument rests on two main points: Google's questionable ethical practices, particularly its appropriation of content for AI-generated results without compensating original creators, and the belief that the AI "industry" is a speculative bubble destined to produce "stranded assets" that burden local governments. He details how Google's AI initiatives, such as "AI Overview" and "intelligent search boxes," threaten the traffic and revenue of online publishers by keeping users on Google's platform, thus harvesting their content without providing reciprocal clicks.
The author further contends that the AI industry's pursuit of growth is driven by a need to sustain high stock valuations, despite a lack of demonstrated profitability. He cites evidence that AI models' problems, like hallucinations, are not solvable by increased computing power, and notes that companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Microsoft are shifting to token-based billing, leading to dramatically increased costs for users and potential investor skepticism. Lancaster highlights the downstream effects on ordinary citizens, referencing how Entergy Mississippi customers are already paying extra for planned Amazon data centers before they are even operational, due to infrastructure investments.
Concluding, Lancaster warns that inviting Google to Arkansas is akin to historical exploitation where out-of-state companies profited from the state's resources, leaving environmental damage. He urges Arkansas residents to prioritize their collective well-being over the perceived benefits of a speculative tech venture.