Rethinking Data Centers: Are They Truly Beneficial for India’s Development?

In a rapidly digitalizing world, the evolution of internet access in India is remarkable. Back in 2002, when Osama Manzar established the Digital Empowerment Foundation, merely 1.2% of the Indian populace was online. Fast forward to today, and that figure has soared to over 70%. This transformation underscores the importance of digital inclusion, particularly for marginalized and rural communities. Manzar’s mission remains unwavering: to illuminate the digital dark for these segments, ensuring they gain access to essential information, literacy, and livelihood opportunities.

However, amidst this digital revolution lurks a growing concern about the emergence of data centers. As artificial intelligence and other high-demand technologies proliferate, Manzar warns of an impending danger—another form of extractive technology. He hypothesizes that the benefits and control over these technologies will be predominantly held by a select few, both at the algorithmic level and regarding essential resources like land and water.

The situation is becoming increasingly contentious. As protests arise across various nations, including India, Malaysia, and Chile, questioning the prerequisites for data center developments, Manzar poses critical inquiries about their necessity. He highlights the alarming statistics regarding water consumption, projecting that these centers could use water equivalent to the annual domestic needs of 1.3 billion individuals by 2030. Moreover, their energy requirements are anticipated to match the electricity consumption of 650 million people, raising significant concerns about sustainability.

In the context of local communities, Manzar emphasizes the necessity for greater involvement in the planning and development of data centers. Drawing parallels with the US, where citizens have actively protested against the establishment of certain data centers, he expresses a desire for a similar level of engagement in India. He argues that the inclusion of local voices is crucial in determining the implications of setting up these facilities in their regions.

As the debate over data centers intensifies, it raises larger questions about how India can balance the benefits of technological advancements with the needs of its communities. While the promise of digital access is enticing, it must not come at the expense of essential resources and community well-being. The ongoing discourse invites all stakeholders, from policymakers to citizens, to reflect on what development truly means in the age of digitalization.

Source: scroll.in