Europe wants to mobilise €30bn for data centres to compete in the global AI race. But across the continent, local communities are pushing back over environmental concerns. Can Europe build technological sovereignty while keeping Big Tech’s power in check?
By using forced-labour claims to justify tariffs and threaten Europe’s digital and climate rules, Washington is testing whether the EU dares to turn its own powerful regulatory arsenal against American companies.
The EU is seeking to build seven AI Gigafactories to reduce dependence on foreign tech, in a multi-billion euro public-private scheme.
China became a hub of industrial manufacturing because it was able to produce essentially the same goods as Western countries, but much more cheaply. Something similar is now happening in artificial intelligence.
Meta is being investigated for its deliberately addictive design features. “If features such as infinite scroll or surveillance advertising aren’t safe, they shouldn’t be on social media in the first place,” said one tech expert.
Exempt from transparency rules, the EU Commission’s new so-called “Reality Checks” consultations are often attended only by lobbyists yet have shaped major deregulation proposals. Now the EU Ombudsman wants answers.