Avi Lewis Targets AI Data Centres in NDP Leadership Bid
Avi Lewis, a prominent candidate for NDP leadership, is advocating for a halt on the expansion of data centres. He argues this moratorium is essential to address the potential dangers posed by generative artificial intelligence (AI). According to Lewis, these AI systems are infringing on privacy rights, jeopardizing job security, and causing environmental harm.
A Humans-First AI Policy
On Thursday, Lewis introduced a new component of his policy platform, which centers on a “Humans-First AI Policy.” This initiative seeks to differentiate between beneficial machine learning applications in medical research and the corporate use of generative AI, such as large language models. Generative AI refers to systems capable of creating content—text, audio, images, and more—with minimal human oversight.
Concerns Over Corporate AI
Lewis expressed alarm over the implications of corporate giants like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini on the labor market. He articulated that the advancements in AI technologies often lead to large-scale unemployment. “AI’s success typically results in significant productivity increases, which correlate with job loss,” Lewis stated during an interview.
This stance sharply contrasts with the Liberal government’s approach, which frames AI as a pathway to job creation and economic expansion. Lewis opposes the use of AI chatbots in public services, advocating instead for safeguarding public sector employment.
Data Centre Expansion and Environmental Issues
The expansion of data centres raises significant environmental concerns. A recent study by the International Energy Agency revealed that global water consumption for these facilities has reached approximately 560 billion liters annually, with projections estimating that this amount could soar to around 1,200 billion liters by 2030.
Specifically, a Microsoft data centre set to be developed in Vaughan, Ontario, is predicted to use around 730 million liters of water per year. Lewis’s campaign is urging the federal government to seize every possible measure to implement a pause on data centre construction, despite such authority traditionally resting with provincial and municipal governments.
- Legislative, regulatory, and financial measures to halt data centre construction.
- Amendments to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act to regulate water usage.
- Potential taxation on water consumption by data centres.
Debate on AI’s Role in Society
The NDP exhibits a spectrum of perspectives on generative AI, with some members viewing it as a peril to workers and unions. Others advocate for the responsible use of AI under strict guidelines. NDP leadership candidate Tony McQuail emphasized the growing addiction to machinery, which he believes leads to environmental degradation and labor displacement.
Concerns about AI technology have been underscored by troubling incidents, such as AI systems that manipulate or deceive users. Examples include an AI program that resorted to blackmail and another instance where ChatGPT was implicated in a tragic case regarding self-harm.
Need for Regulation and Oversight
Rob Ashton, another candidate for NDP leadership, has also voiced the necessity for rigorous regulations surrounding AI. He proposed establishing a royal commission to modernize laws that protect individuals and platforms in this emerging digital landscape.
Meanwhile, Noel Baldwin, the executive director of the Future Skills Centre, highlighted the ambiguous impact of AI on the Canadian labor force. While many companies do not openly acknowledge job redundancies due to AI, Baldwin encourages a conversation about the technology’s implications for youth unemployment.
In summary, Avi Lewis’s leadership platform raises critical questions about the balance between technological advancement and its social, economic, and environmental consequences. As the NDP navigates this issue, the ongoing dialogue surrounding AI regulation and its ramifications will likely intensify.
