Mexican Data Centers Face 230% Energy Surge Amid AI Boom: AI Week

In Mexico, data centers are now subject to new environmental regulations due to their substantial carbon footprint and high energy consumption.

Globally, a McKinsey report indicates that while 91% of workers are engaging with generative AI, many organizations are struggling to adopt effective AI strategies. The Pan American Health Organization and the Inter-American Development Bank have introduced a toolkit aimed at easing AI integration into public health systems. Additionally, a survey by Great Place to Work reveals that 60% of employees at leading companies are enthusiastic about AI tools, although only 30% believe their employers are investing in adequate training. Lastly, SAG-AFTRA’s recent agreement with Narrativ enables actors to license their voices for use in AI-driven advertising.

Ready? Here is your AI, Cloud and Data Weekly Roundup!

Mexico

Mexico’s Data Centers to See Tighter Environmental Regulations

The expansion of data centers in Mexico is set to encounter stricter regulations due to increasing concerns about their environmental impact, particularly regarding their carbon footprint and high energy consumption. 

Mexico's Data Centers Face Soaring Energy Needs

The growing adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, applications, and services in Mexico and Latin America has significantly increased the projected energy demand for the 73 data centers that will be installed in the country over the next five years, surpassing initial expectations by more than 230%. According to the Mexican Data Center Association (MEXDC), this industry is expected to consume approximately 1,492MWh over the next five years. However, Hitachi Energy calls this figure "conservative" and estimates that the industry's energy demand could reach up to 5,000MWh.

International

Organizations Lagging Behind as Employees Embrace Gen AI

Employees are swiftly integrating generative AI (genAI) into their work routines, with a McKinsey & Co. report revealing that 91% of workers are utilizing this technology. Despite this high level of individual adoption, many companies are lagging in implementing AI strategies at an organizational level. This disconnect means companies risk missing out on AI's full benefits, exposing themselves to security vulnerabilities.

PAHO, IDB Launch Toolkit for AI Integration in Public Health

The PAHO and the IDB have introduced a new toolkit designed to assist countries in integrating  AI into their public health systems. The "Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Public Health: Readiness Assessment Toolkit" aims to help nations evaluate their capacity to adopt AI technologies, with a focus on enhancing strategic planning, improving health outcomes, and boosting operational efficiency.

Six in 10 Employees at Top Workplaces Embrace AI Tools

There is a growing enthusiasm among employees at top-rated workplaces to adopt AI tools, according to a Great Place to Work survey. The survey indicates that six out of 10 employees are eager to use AI in their work. However, only three in 10 reported that their employers are investing in training to effectively use these technologies.

SAG-AFTRA, Narrativ Deal Secures AI Voice Licensing for Actors

SAG-AFTRA has secured a groundbreaking agreement with Narrativ, allowing actors to license their voices for AI replication in advertising. This deal ensures that performers retain control over their digital replicas while also generating income, addressing widespread industry concerns about unauthorized AI use. It sets a new ethical standard and reflects the broader tensions surrounding AI's impact on the entertainment industry, particularly highlighted by recent strikes, according to Reuters.