Source:  The New York Times

Date Published: 10.20.2025

Link: From Mexico to Ireland, Fury Mounts Over a Global A.I. Frenzy

In the face of a Global AI Boom, where companies are expected to spend $375 billion on data centers this year alone, mounting protests over the lack of regulation, service disruptions, and severe strain on the energy grids and water systems of surrounding communities are increasing in countries around the world. Lack of transparency threatens accountability, as Google, Amazon, and Microsoft operate through subsidiaries that obscure their presence and resource consumption. Furthermore, tracking direct linkages to power outages and data centers is especially challenging. In Mexico, Microsoft will therefore not accept accountability, despite power outages and blackouts originating from its data center complex in Mexico City. This drain on resources threatens communities beyond just Mexico. Data centers also pose a threat to Ireland’s power supplies. Welcoming policies and government support worldwide often result in few environmental regulations and limited accountability, leaving communities particularly vulnerable.