What's happened
Microsoft has significantly expanded its data center capacity, surpassing 5 gigawatts of total installed capacity. Chinese data facilities are projected to double their water use by 2030, with the rise of generative AI technology contributing to increased water demands. Additionally, Chinese researchers have developed an AI-controlled water cannon with improved accuracy for use in contested waters.
Why it matters
Microsoft's data center expansion reflects the increasing demand for cloud services driven by generative AI technology. The growth in water consumption by Chinese data facilities highlights the environmental impact of ICT industry expansion. The development of an AI-controlled water cannon by Chinese researchers could have implications for maritime security and conflict resolution.
What the papers say
Business Insider reports on Microsoft's significant data center expansion, driven by the demands of generative AI technology. The South China Morning Post discusses the projected increase in water consumption by Chinese data facilities due to the growth of ICT industry and generative AI technology. Another article from the South China Morning Post covers the development of an AI-controlled water cannon by Chinese researchers for maritime use.
How we got here
The expansion of data center capacity by Microsoft is in response to the growing demands of generative AI and foundation models that require intensive training and fine-tuning. The increase in water consumption by Chinese data facilities is a result of the ICT industry's growth and the demands of generative AI technology. The development of an AI-controlled water cannon by Chinese researchers aims to enhance maritime security and reduce the risk of armed clashes in contested waters.
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China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion in 2019.