The Data Center Debate Should Include Data Security

Let’s talk about AI and data centers. A different approach.

AI is an interesting tool (or weapon), depending on your intent. It can be useful, though I’d rather that my daily news not be created and interpreted by some bot and AI. Give me Walter Conkrite any day, thank you.

Now think of, for discussion purposes, 75 (a safe number) data centers spread across the US, all processing AI bots and AI info-processing requests. These centers are linked together to share resources and computing power.

And some of these AI processes are government AI bots, linked together to send your data to central “control” (think Rocky and Bullwinkle and Boris and Natasha – some of the readers will remember) as a repository. And you may not know it’s happening. Quite honestly, it is probably no different than what happens today – when you “Search” on the net and your inquiry and search criteria are saved somewhere for review if necessary (or plagiarizing your idea) – possible? Probably so. Your privacy, your data, and your ideas are no longer yours. Think 1984.

So what is my point?

There is no intellectual protection of your information (or a corporation’s proprietary information) from being hacked, stolen, or used for illegal purposes when you and corporations connect to a data center that is focused on AI-driven processes. Sure – firewalls are meant to protect – but don’t you think someone will write an AI bot to work around it? What security measures are inside those data centers? Remember that US data centers have international customers – are they all upstanding corporate citizens?

We are so focused on the physical attributes of data centers that no one (including the government) has had time to develop and mandate the security standards needed to protect the trillions of bytes of our most valuable asset: data.

Technology and investors are so in a rush to “cash in” on the boom for ROI, to grow stock portfolios, or to secure sweetheart deals for future IPOs that they couldn’t care less about how these centers operate. Whether data centers fail or not is not their concern. And they push communities and claim eminent domain to grab land in the name of national interest when they couldn’t care less and care only for the results of their investment balance sheets. And they do this by lying about job creation while also receiving enormous tax “forgiveness”.

I am not against technology. I have been an instrument of change my entire career and always on the bleeding edge.

But there comes a point where someone sells the idea that technology is a solution and raises millions/billions of $$ to hedge the bet with no guardrails. Technology is a tool, and as such, we need to manage it, secure it, and wrap standards around it.

Some have talked about using blockchain technology (the same protections used for cryptocurrency). But any technology … can be reverse-engineered eventually. Hmm 🤔 – didn’t that criminal enterprise, “Trump Family Fortunes”, open a blockchain clearing house last year?

Data centers do have environmental issues to address. But those are just the tip of the iceberg beyond construction. Remember that these data centers are privately owned by corporations. What is their commitment to the public?? What is our Federal commitment to provide a national data security framework??

Clearly, there is none.

Kenneth Roko
North River District 
Warren County, VA

About Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor reflect the views and opinions of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Royal Examiner, its staff, affiliates, or advertisers.

The Royal Examiner welcomes a wide range of viewpoints and encourages thoughtful, respectful discussion on matters of local and public interest. Publishing a letter does not mean the Royal Examiner endorses the opinions, claims, or conclusions expressed by the writer.

Statements and claims made in letters are the responsibility of the authors. The Royal Examiner may not independently verify every factual assertion contained in a submitted letter, and readers are encouraged to consider the information and opinions presented with their own judgment.

Not all letters submitted will be published. The Royal Examiner reserves the right to edit letters for clarity, length, grammar, and compliance with editorial standards. Letters containing personal attacks, offensive language, unsupported accusations, or material that may violate the law may be rejected.

By submitting a letter, the author grants the Royal Examiner permission to publish, edit, reproduce, and distribute the content in print, online, and other formats.

We value reader participation and welcome differing perspectives. Letters to the Editor are an important part of community conversation, and we encourage readers to share their views on issues that matter to Front Royal, Warren County, and the surrounding region.