Data centers forgot the consumer — and that could cost America the AI race

Trump: Data centers bring 'tremendous income'.

Key points

• Fox News host Emily Compagno discusses the debate over AI data center construction on 'The Five.' NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
• They have long powered the internet, cloud computing, streaming, online shopping, banking, and countless other services Americans employ every day.
• The industry had plenty to say regarding investment, innovation, and America's race to lead the world in AI.
• Data centers have gone from a niche policy matter to one of the most controversial topics of the midterm elections.
• Most consumers have yet to hear a good reason why they personally benefit from data centers to commence with.

Data centers have gone from a niche policy matter to one of the most controversial topics of the midterm elections. Fewer than 30% of Americans backing a data center being built in their community and the reason why is simple; the industry forgot concerning consumers.

Data centers didn't suddenly appear with artificial intelligence. They have long powered the internet, cloud computing, streaming, online shopping, banking, and countless other services Americans employ every day. But the emergence of AI changed their scale and visibility. Firms began proposing larger facilities with new demands for electricity, water, and space, often in communities where residents had little idea what was coming until the project was already well underway.

Notably, the industry had plenty to say regarding investment, innovation, and America's race to lead the world in AI. All true and all significant, but it did so in a way that alienated the average person with jargon, tech-talk, and a "trust me" approach.

SILICON VALLEY IS LOSING THE DATA CENTER FIGHT, RISKING A REPEAT OF A CLASSIC FAILURE.

Most consumers have yet to hear a good reason why they personally benefit from data centers to commence with. They hear data centers will power the technologies of the future, but that is a tough sales pitch when families are worried that their electric bills could rise or their water supply could be strained.

For now, data centers forgot the consumer – and that could cost America the remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.