DW Weekly #182 – 18 October 2024
In recent years, when technological advancements have become increasingly demanding regarding energy supply, sustainable development has become a mainstream topic for governments and industries seeking to balance growth with environmental responsibility. At the centre of the topic are AI and the energy sector, where innovative solutions are emerging to support the ever-growing demand for power driven by the rapid evolution of AI. Tech giants, which rely heavily on continuous energy supply to fuel data centres and AI-driven technologies, are now at the forefront of the push toward cleaner, more sustainable energy sources.
Smaller and potentially safer than traditional nuclear reactors, SMRs offer a new frontier in clean energy, particularly for industries like tech that require a constant, reliable energy supply. The agreement is poised to bring 500 MW of carbon-free power to US grids by 2030, a substantial contribution to the decarbonisation efforts of electricity systems while directly supporting the growing power needs of AI technologies.
Another tech giant, Amazon, is also moving towards nuclear power technology by signing three agreements to develop SMRs to address the growing demand for electricity from its data centres. In collaboration with X-Energy, Amazon will fund a feasibility study for an SMR project near a Northwest Energy site in Washington state, positioning itself as a centre forward in the shift toward renewable energy sources. The deal allows Amazon to purchase power from four SMR modules, with the potential for up to eight additional modules capable of producing enough energy to power more than 770,000 homes.
Furthermore, beyond ensuring a reliable power supply for tech companies, these initiatives reshape the energy landscape by fostering innovation and economic growth. The US Department of Energy has highlighted the financial benefits of nuclear power, citing its potential to generate high-paying, long-term jobs and stimulate local economies. With advanced nuclear reactors estimated to create hundreds of thousands of jobs by 2050, the tech sector’s investments in nuclear energy could also contribute to a broader economic transformation.
Thus, by backing advanced cutting-edge nuclear technologies and other clean energy solutions, companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have set a precedent for how industries can align economic growth with environmental responsibility.
Big Tech’s AI models fall short of new EU AI Act’s standards
Australia and the social media ban for younger users
The Australian government is moving toward a social media ban for younger users, sparking concerns among youth and experts about the potential negative impacts on vulnerable communities. The proposed restrictions, intended to combat issues such as addiction and online harm, may sever vital social connections for teens from migrant, LGBTQIA+, and other minority backgrounds.
Marko and the Digital Watch team
Highlights from the week of 11-18 October 2024
Prominent AI models fail to meet the EU regulations, particularly in cybersecurity resilience and non-discriminatory output.
AI-powered drones are being used in Russia in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Defense Minister Andrei Belousov confirmed the deployment of advanced drone units and highlighted plans for further expansion.
The US remains China’s third-largest trading partner, emphasising the importance of ongoing collaboration amid global competition.
Google argues allowing greater competition on its Play Store could harm the company and introduce security risks and is appealing the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals decision.
Businesses anxious over delayed cybersecurity regulations.
These algorithms are crucial to the security of advanced encryption standards, including AES-256, which is widely used in banking and cryptocurrency.
Tesla reveals the Cybercab, aiming for production by 2026, as it moves towards autonomous vehicles.
Hundreds of TikTok employees are facing layoffs as the company moves towards automated moderation.
The job cuts are part of the effort to reallocate resources and align with Meta’s long-term strategic goals.
MiCA is expected to become a global benchmark, encouraging other jurisdictions to align their regulatory frameworks for cross-border compatibility.
dig.watch
AI is transforming medicine by enabling early disease detection, improving diagnostics, and personalising care.
www.diplomacy.edu
Diplomacy is undergoing a significant transformation in the age of artificial intelligence. Rather than becoming obsolete, it is poised to thrive—and here’s why.
www.diplomacy.edu
Week 2 of the AI Apprenticeship course: While it processes data and evolves with us, AI still lacks the human ability to grasp context and meaning. Will AI always be an apprentice, or can it truly master understanding?
www.diplomacy.edu
UN Cybercrime Convention: What does it mean and how will it impact all of us? Once formally adopted, how will the UN cybercrime convention impact the security
