They may be somewhat nondescript from the outside, but there's nothing unimpressive about what goes on inside data centres.
They're being built all over the world, in part because they've become the backbone of all those AI tools and apps. But the centres aren't without controversy.
We recently went on a rare tour inside a data centre and asked those charged with keeping them running about the hopes and fears surrounding them.
The story scratches the surface of a fast-emerging issue, and we'll continue to follow the topic as things develop.
The big story
Iran's unrest percolates online
In brief | The unrest in Iran hasn't gone away this week, and perhaps more importantly, the decision of the ruling regime to cut internet access throughout the country has not significantly put off demonstrators.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk's social platform X hasn't been subtle in its support for protesters by changing Iran's flag emoji design, showing the country's pre-Islamic Revolution flag, with a lion.
Iran's regime, also seeking to make a point on the digital battle front, has used bots against critics in the diaspora with a phishing campaign.
Why it matters | It is often said that the first casualty of war or conflict is the truth.
This year, it might be more accurate to say that the first casualty of unrest is connection, more specifically internet connection.
Online access has become so prevalent that we often take it for granted. Only after it is taken away, however, do we realise just how integral it is.
It's both a testament to how far technology has come, and a reminder how vulnerable it can be.
Quoted | "The internet disruption ranks among the longest on record and continues to isolate over 90 million Iranians from the outside world"
– NetBlocks, an organisation dedicated to cyber security and digital governance
Future in focus
• Foreboding findings | World must brace itself for turbulent two years ahead, Davos report warns
• Pax Silica | What to know about the tight tech circle formed by the US that includes the UAE?
• Aspiration and execution | Ways for Middle East cities to prepare for the AI-powered future
• More control | How to train your algorithm
Predicting the future: Signal or noise?
Global data centre power demand is set to surge 500 per cent by 2040, with about three quarters of that energy still supplied by hydrocarbons, the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week conference heard this week.
This is a signal: Although AI will eventually lead to a more efficient use of energy across the board, the current data centre boom fuelled by the global AI-buildout is creating increased energy consumption.
In short, it's no surprise that hydrocarbons are helping to prevent an energy gap that otherwise might occur in part because of incredibly powerful GPUs and CPUs inside data centres.
In case you missed it
• Firefighting robot dogs to tackle high-rise blazes in Dubai
• Elon Musk's Grok under investigation by UK regulator
• Chip changes: Trump tweaks semiconductor policy with tariff
• AI-powered autism detection game developer wins award
• Editorial: AI-powered national development requires a pragmatic approach to energy
• Trump in Davos: What to expect at World Economic Forum's annual meeting
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