[2024 National Audit] Yusang Im: "AI Data Centers Have Low Harmfulness... Efforts to Improve Awareness"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Yoo Sang-im, Minister of Science and ICT (photo), stated on the 8th that the data centers, which are the core infrastructure of the artificial intelligence (AI) industry, "have very low harmfulness" and emphasized that "efforts to improve public perception are necessary."

Minister Yoo made these remarks in response to a question from Kim Jang-gyeom, a member of the People Power Party, during the National Assembly Science, Technology, Information and Communications Committee's audit held that day.

Rep. Kim asked, "Big tech companies are choosing Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and other countries as bases for developing next-generation AI infrastructure. What is the reason that South Korea is being pushed to a lower priority?"

In response, Minister Yoo explained, "Data centers are perceived as harmful facilities like nuclear power plants, which poses an obstacle to attracting them to South Korea," adding, "This issue arises from the large amount of electricity required by data centers."

However, he noted, "The harmfulness of transmission waves and high-frequency waves from data centers is very low. Although there is some impact from transmission lines compared to other areas, the harmfulness is very low," and stressed, "Government efforts are needed to improve public perception and to attract data centers."

Rep. Kim urged, "If AI is a matter that determines the survival of the nation, failing to attract data centers should not lead to a decline in national competitiveness," and added, "Communication with the public, as well as with related local governments and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, is necessary."