UK government does not know what datacentres are being used for, FoI request shows
The UK government lacks transparency regarding the specific usage of national datacenters, despite concerns over their environmental impact and energy consumption. Critics argue that the government is fast-tracking these projects without sufficient public justification or oversight.
Why it matters
The rapid expansion of AI infrastructure raises significant questions about environmental sustainability and the balance between technological growth and regulatory accountability.
A datacentre under construction in Slough. The government says the sites are vital to keep jobs and investment in Britain. A datacentre under construction in Slough. The government says the sites are vital to keep jobs and investment in Britain. Datacentres - UK UK government does not know what datacentres are being used for, FoI request shows Lack of information raises fears over environmental impact of the AI boom
Prefer the Guardian on Google The UK government does not know what the country’s datacentres are being used for despite fears over the growing environmental impact of the AI boom.
When asked in a freedom of information (FoI) request who was using the largest sites and what for, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said it did “not hold the requested information”. The ministry has since been dissolved .
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