Press Article: Global Digital Divide in A.I. Data Centers Highlights Geopolitical Tensions
A new report from Oxford University reveals that only 32 nations—primarily in the Northern Hemisphere—host A.I.-specialized data centers, intensifying the global digital divide. Among these, the United States, China, and the European Union together control over half of the world’s computational power, crucial for developing advanced A.I. systems.
Recently, OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman visited a $60 billion data center project in Texas, projected to be larger than Central Park and equipped with its own natural gas plant, set to become operational next year. In stark contrast, Nicolás Wolovick, a computer science professor in Argentina, manages one of the country’s most advanced A.I. setups out of a modified university classroom. He laments the growing disparity, stating, “We are losing.”
The gap manifests not just in technological access but also in widespread economic and geopolitical implications. The dominance of American and Chinese corporations—controlling more than 90% of the global A.I. data centers—leads to dependencies, particularly for nations in Africa and South America, which lack sufficient computing resources. Countries unable to provide this infrastructure risk losing out on growth, talent retention, and scientific breakthroughs.
The report discusses the struggle for A.I. sovereignty, as nations seek to build their own capabilities to avoid becoming reliant on foreign tech giants. Countries like India and Brazil are investing heavily in their A.I. infrastructures, while many in Africa are collaborating on regional hubs. Despite these efforts, experts warn that without urgent action, the digital divide will only widen, heightening global inequalities in the A.I. era.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
