Exclusive: Conservatives plan nationwide protest against AI data centers
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A conservative group seeking stricter rules on AI is organizing a day of protest against data centers across the country next month, the group told Axios exclusively.
Why it matters: Republicans in Washington are trying to pay attention to Americans' concerns over AI's impacts while supporting U.S. advancements in the technology.
Driving the news: Humans First, a conservative organization that says it is fighting for an "America First AI policy," is planning a "Nationwide Day of Protest" against what it describes as the "unchecked expansion of AI data centers" on July 18.
- The group said rallies are currently set for at least 13 locations across Georgia, California, Texas, Florida and Virginia.
- According to Humans First, the protests are meant to "give grassroots Americans, particularly grassroots conservatives, a voice in the critical debate over policies relating to the building of massive AI data centers."
What they're saying: "I was one of the earliest leaders of the Tea Party movement in 2009, and I can tell you that the disconnect between the elites and the base that gave rise to the Tea Party movement can be seen today in the battle over AI data centers," Amy Kremer, chair of Humans First, said in a statement.
- "In the spirit of the Tea Party, we are announcing a Nationwide Day of Protest against the unchecked and unwanted expansion of AI data centers and the dangerous AI systems being built within them to be held on Saturday July 18th," said Kremer.
- Kremer said the conservative base is being ignored by Washington politicians who are "doing the bidding of big tech and big AI billionaires," calling data centers the top issue igniting anger among the conservative base.
Context: Kremer is a longtime Tea Party figure who helped organize the rally preceding the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol.
- Kremer led a letter signed by conservative leaders last month pushing for strict AI vetting, Axios previously reported.
A website advertising the rallies lists what it sees as the dangers of data centers: secrecy, water use, air pollution, national security, energy, land use and noise.
What we're watching: Liberals and conservatives who are against data centers could find common cause on the issue.
- Humans First told Axios it welcomes anyone who wants to participate, though its primary focus is rallying conservatives.
