The steep cost of AI

NEW YORK TIMES

In June, we wrote about what we called the global A.I. divide. We found that the race for computing power was splitting the world into haves and have-nots. The U.S. and China dominate. Just about everyone else, whether in Europe or South America, fears being left behind. That could stunt growth, stall scientific research and deepen dependence on foreign corporations and governments. In September, the U.N. warned that this divide ranked among A.I.’s most pressing global threats.

More recently, we’ve been reporting from countries that are trying hard not to be left out. Their strategy is to attract investment in data centers with subsidies, land deals and tax breaks; the hope is that jobs, start-ups and a foothold in the digital economy will follow. But we found that these choices came with severe consequences.

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