Why China Is the Bogeyman Data Center Enthusiasts Just Can't Quit
Data center developers and political allies are increasingly blaming foreign influence, specifically from China, for rising public opposition to new infrastructure projects. Critics argue this narrative serves as a convenient distraction from legitimate environmental and social concerns regarding AI infrastructure.
Why it matters
It reveals how geopolitical rhetoric is being used to deflect domestic criticism of the rapid expansion of energy-intensive AI infrastructure.
Be sure to catch WIRED’s first livestream on data centers this Thursday, September 10, featuring Molly, senior politics correspondent Hugo Lowell, and senior business writer Max Zeff! You can submit questions here.
It’s been a rough summer for data center boosters. Polling is getting even more dismal—as many as 75 percent of Americans now say they would oppose a data center being built in their area, up from 42 percent last year. Politicians from both parties who were previously advocates, like Texas governor Greg Abbott and Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro, are now switching up as the midterms approach, looking to convey to voters that they’re talking a hard line on the hated infrastructure.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in