Half of Brits admit they still don't know what a data center is
Just one in two Brits know what a data center is, but even more see them as having a negative impact and many are worried about energy consumption.
New research reveals that half of Brits are still unaware of what a data center is. While positive perceptions have decreased, negative views have grown, according to a report from Telehouse. Despite awareness rising from 40% in 2024 to over half of the population, three out of five still don't understand what a data center does or its impact on digital services.
The decline in positive perception, from 48% two years ago to 37% now, is concerning. Negative sentiment has increased from 4% to 15% over the same period. Among the main concerns, energy consumption stands out, with 56% of respondents worried about the electricity usage of these facilities.
Mark Pestridge, EVP and GM for Telehouse Europe, suggests that the industry should work together to improve transparency and public engagement. By explaining the value data centers provide, there's potential to turn current awareness into understanding and confidence. The UK government's designation of data centers as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) emphasizes their importance, but the real challenge remains in helping people grasp their significance in everyday life.
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