April 9, 2026
The Dangers of AI and Explosive Growth of Data Centers
Class Description
While many people view AI as a positive development that will simplify daily life, there are significant risks to consider. Notably, AI poses a direct threat to our personal privacy and could lead to the elimination of many jobs. Additionally, the educational system faces new challenges, as students may increasingly rely on AI to complete assignments and write their reports, potentially undermining their learning and development. This shift represents a profound revolution with far reaching effects on society.
Data centers are central to the expansion of AI. These facilities are designed to store and process vast amounts of information—including details about individuals’ lives, financial transactions, travel preferences, home automation, energy usage, and more. They must have monster data centers to contain it all which in turn consumes disastrous amounts of water and energy. The construction and operation of massive data centers have a direct impact on the communities where they are located. In rural areas, especially, the arrival of these facilities can alter local culture and strain natural resources. Residents are experiencing the consequences firsthand, which creates opportunities for the American Policy Center to mobilize opposition. In fact, the American Policy Center along with local efforts have successfully halted some data center projects. If we can stop the data centers, we can take control of the AI threat.
Speaker Bio
Tom DeWeese is one of the nation’s leading advocates of individual liberty, free enterprise, private property rights, personal privacy, back-to-basics education and American sovereignty and independence. A resident of Virginia since 1982, Tom is a native of Ohio. He’s been a candidate for the Ohio Legislature, served as editor of two newspapers, and has owned several businesses.
In 1989 Tom led the only privately funded election-observation team to the Panamanian elections, where he learned firsthand how corrupt dictators can steal an election. In 2006 he was invited to Cambridge University to debate the issue of the United Nations before the Cambridge Union, a 200-year-old debating society.
Today he serves as Founder and President of the American Policy Center and is the author of three books: He was one of the first to voice concern over the radical agenda of the environmental movement and to question its motives. For over 50 years Tom has been a businessman, grassroots activist, writer and publisher. As such, he has always advocated a firm belief in man’s need to keep moving forward while protecting our Constitutionally guaranteed rights.