How Luddites can learn to love data centres
From universal childcare to R&D funding for start-ups, tech companies must look at smart ways to get communities to buy in to the AI revolution, says Paul Ormerod The recent midterm elections in America have already generated a massive amount of media commentary. Most of it of course is on the potential political ramifications. But [...]
The recent American midterm elections have revealed a growing antipathy towards AI, as evidenced by 45 local referendums on data centres, 44 of which rejected proposals. Democrat candidates were particularly vocal in their opposition to both data centres and AI technology, likely due to the negative impact AI has had on their constituents' lifestyles and employment opportunities.
This sentiment is reminiscent of the original Luddite movement of the 1810s, which protested against the disruption of traditional jobs by new machinery, resulting in widespread economic disruption and poverty for skilled workers. However, the Brookings Institute's recent paper offers some guidelines for managing the transition to AI development, focusing on data centres and their impact on local economies.
While a single data centre may not significantly boost a local economy, it could attract high-tech companies and create well-paid construction jobs. The authors suggest that states rich in resources, such as oil and gas, could use their revenue to create funds for universal childcare or other high-tech initiatives, similar to the Alaska Permanent Fund and the North Dakota Legacy Fund.
These strategies could potentially generate benefits for local communities, fostering a more positive attitude towards AI development and its infrastructure.
Written by urgent.news from City AM's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
