Students protest AI amid growing national concerns

A significant protest movement has emerged among students on Australia's Sunshine Coast, driven by concerns over the environmental and social implications of a new $200 million AI data center under construction in Maroochydore.

“

We're wanting to show our leaders that there is a large group of people who aren't OK with the lack of regulations to hopefully put pressure on them to get these regulations put in place.

The five-story NEXTDC SC2 facility is part of a nationwide expansion, with over 160 data centers currently operating and at least 90 more planned. This rapid growth has prompted calls from residents for stricter regulations as these large infrastructure projects increasingly enter suburban areas.

AI data centers require substantial resources, particularly water for cooling their IT infrastructure. Critics, including The Greens, are advocating for a moratorium on "hyperscale" data center approvals. They argue these facilities act as "energy vampires," placing immense pressure on power supplies, water resources, and local communities.

“

There are a lot of jobs in so many different professions that are being affected, […] lost or replaced. AI is doing it for them, so there is a big concern with there not being as many jobs when I go into the workforce.

Organizers like 16-year-old Ruby Dyer, inspired by global climate activism, are voicing broader anxieties about artificial intelligence's growing role in daily life. Their concerns extend beyond the Maroochydore site to encompass the environmental footprint, potential misuse by malicious actors, and the impact on future employment prospects for young people. University student Kate McGeechan echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the validity of young Australians' concerns regarding the nation's increasing reliance on AI technology.

“

I think it was really admirable to be organised by these high school students.