How MediaJustice Is Leading Communities to Push Back Against AI Data Centers | Nonprofit Quarterly | Civic News. Empowering Nonprofits. Advancing Justice.

"Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere, and it is quickly becoming integrated into almost every aspect of our lives. Within the last few months, you've probably noticed it's nearly impossible to use a platform that is not using AI-whether that be AI-generated search answers, AI-assisted chatbots, or virtual assistants. LinkedIn, Soundcloud, and Spotify are just a few platforms that have changed their privacy policies to use our data to train AI models. And we've seen heavy adoption of AI in our newsrooms, schools, and workplaces."

"Take the announcement of the Trump administration's AI Action Plan earlier this summer. Under the guise of accelerating AI innovation, Trump's plan effectively clears the path for Big Tech to build data centers without any oversight or accountability. The plan also attacked "woke" AI, eliminating regulations that protect the public from bias and discrimination. The billions of dollars Big Tech has poured into the Trump administration's priorities are paying off."

"Ironically, all of this is happening while "experts" are still debating whether this "AI boom" is just short-term hype or a turning point that will transform our future. Regardless of the outcome, communities across the country are already living with the harmful consequences of Big Tech's latest profit grab in the name of so-called innovation."

Artificial intelligence now permeates many platforms and institutions, with services like LinkedIn, Soundcloud, and Spotify altering privacy policies to allow user data to train AI models. AI-generated search, chatbots, and virtual assistants are becoming ubiquitous in newsrooms, schools, and workplaces. While experts debate whether the AI surge is transformative or hype, communities are already experiencing harmful consequences from Big Tech's profit-driven expansion. The Trump administration's AI Action Plan expedited AI development by clearing regulatory pathways, enabling data center construction without oversight, and rolling back protections against bias and discrimination. Political influence and corporate investment continue to accelerate unchecked AI infrastructure growth, reshaping local communities.

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