Famous investor and Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary has officially picked a side in the global debate over the future of artificial intelligence (AI), declaring himself firmly in the camp of AI optimists. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Canadian billionaire laid out the two stark paths critics and supporters are arguing over.
O’Leary’s Stance on AI
“In the great #AI debate there are two camps emerging. AI will steal all the jobs and then #Robots will eat the babies. The other, AI will help cure #Cancer democratize education and add tremendous productivity to the #economy I’m in camp 2. It’s a fantastic tool!” he said in the post.
Pushing Back Against ‘Fake News’ on AI Data Centre in Utah
O’Leary’s defense of AI comes at a time when he is fighting back against what he calls a massive online misinformation campaign targeting a major new AI data centre project he is backing in Utah. The celebrity businessman noted that while local communities have every right to demand strict environmental reviews regarding air, water, noise and temperature before construction begins, the rumours spreading online have completely detached from reality.
O’Leary firmly rejected viral claims alleging that the data centre would drain the Great Salt Lake, consume Utah’s entire power grid, or grow to “the size of Manhattan.” “None of it is true. We're building our own power generation, following the law, and creating thousands of jobs and major tax revenue for Utah communities,” O’Leary countered.
Allegations of ‘China Interference’
O’Leary also revealed that his team launched an internal investigation to figure out who was driving the coordinated online backlash against the project. The billionaire alleged that the domestic activist groups are being backed by international puppet masters trying to freeze American technological progress. “I became convinced that foreign-linked money, including interests connected to China, is helping fuel efforts to slow power generation and data center development in the United States,” O’Leary claimed.
About the Author
The TOI Tech Desk is a dedicated team of journalists committed to delivering the latest and most relevant news from the world of technology to readers of The Times of India. TOI Tech Desk’s news coverage spans a wide spectrum across gadget launches, gadget reviews, trends, in-depth analysis, exclusive reports and breaking stories that impact technology and the digital universe. Be it how-tos or the latest happenings in AI, cybersecurity, personal gadgets, platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and more; TOI Tech Desk brings the news with accuracy and authenticity.
