The protest in Launceston last week by young people concerned about the development of AI and data centres should be taken seriously.
Behind it is the fear that the future will be worse than the past; That technology does not create a better world for everyone, but mainly for those who already hold wealth and power.
This is technofear in its latest form.
Fundamentally AI has a trust issue – solve that and it will gain social licence.
So here are five markers worth watching to see if data centres are earning their social licence in Tasmania.
• Is the project sustainable for Tasmania, respecting the environment upon which Tasmania’s economic prosperity relies?
• Will there be real jobs, and tech skills transfer?
• Do the projects increase capability and capacity for other industries to thrive in the digital economy?
• Do projects strengthen Tasmania’s energy transition and resilience?
• Is community consultation influencing decisions and changing the plans that were already in place?
The projects that succeed in Tasmania over the next few years will be those that work with the community to make a future that is better than the past.
If we don’t build the data centres here, we’ll be exporting the power to Victoria for data centres there. As long as there are no hidden subsidies (which according to public statements there are not) and as long as any new investment meets regulatory environmental approvals, Tasmania should be welcoming any private investment if we want a viable economy. The use of AI in education and the workplace is worth debating, but its an entirely separate issue to where data centres get located.
Vic doesn’t need Tas power anymore – that hydro cash cow has left the gate. The Vic solar boom, has addressed that.