Advocacy group urges intelligence committees to probe foreign influence on data centers
Advocacy group urges intelligence committees to probe foreign influence on data centers
Publish Date: 2026-06-16 11:18:00
Source Domain: newschannel9.com
The race to dominate artificial intelligence is fueling a massive data center construction boom across the United States. Still, some advocates say the battle is no longer just about technology — it is increasingly becoming a national security issue.
While speaking with The National News Desk’s Jan Jeffcoat, Chuck Flint, executive director of the Coalition for Affordability and Prosperity, argued that foreign adversaries and political activists may be attempting to influence public opposition to data center projects at a time when the United States and China are competing for leadership in artificial intelligence.
According to Flint, his organization recently asked leaders on congressional intelligence committees to investigate whether foreign actors are attempting to shape public opinion surrounding data center development.
Flint pointed to coverage from several Chinese state-run media outlets, including CGTN, China Daily, and Global Times, which have published reports highlighting concerns about water consumption, energy usage, and environmental impacts associated with data centers.
He also cited coverage by Russian state media criticizing data center expansion in the United States.
“The irony of this is that while China is warning Americans not to build data centers, China is racing as quickly as they can to build these data centers,” Flint said.
He argued that China’s government is heavily subsidizing the construction of AI infrastructure while simultaneously benefiting from efforts that slow development in the United States.
The concerns come as demand for data centers continues to accelerate nationwide.
Technology companies are investing billions of dollars into new facilities needed to power artificial intelligence systems, cloud computing, military applications, financial networks, and other critical infrastructure.
Flint described the facilities as far more than simple technology buildings.
“These are the engines that are going to power AI,” he said. “They’re…
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