The government warns of protests against data centers, similar to those in other countries, if conditions are not imposed

The Government rules out a “moratorium” on the opening of data centers in Spain , but believes it is essential that the royal decree it announced last week to impose energy sustainability and digital sovereignty requirements on these centers goes ahead .

This was stated on Monday by the Minister of Digital Transformation and Public Function , Óscar López, during the inauguration in Santander of the ’40th Meeting of the Digital Economy and Telecommunications’ of the technology employers’ association Ametic.

Executive sources specified that the Government will try to reach an agreement with the sector regarding this decree, which will be open for public consultation until September 4th, but they warn that the conditions that are to be imposed on these centers cannot be ignored, because otherwise, there will be “mobilizations and demonstrations” like those that have already occurred in some countries such as the United States , especially due to the high energy consumption of these centers.

GOVERNMENT RULES OUT A DATA CENTER LEAK

According to sources in Pedro Sánchez ‘s cabinet , some countries have seen data centers “get out of hand” and have already had to implement moratoriums on new concessions.

Government sources are not worried about a “flight” of these businesses to other countries due to the requirements that are being imposed on them in Spain, as has been denounced, for example, by the Madrid regional government (led by the People’s Party ). The government maintains that if the first centers in Spain promised to be “100% organic and sovereign” when they arrived , it will be true, and the sector has nothing to fear from the announced new regulations.

RESTRICTIONS ON MINORS ON SOCIAL NETWORKS

On the other hand, government sources commented on the recent announcement by Meta, owner of Instagram and Facebook, among other platforms, that it will restrict access for minors in the United States .

According to the Government, it is “good news” that technology giants are making these kinds of commitments, but the Executive remains determined on the need for regulation and for Spain to be a pioneer in this area.

Spain hopes to host a European AI GIGAFACTORY

On the other hand, regarding Spain’s bid to host a European AI gigafactory , Minister López, speaking at the Ametic meeting, reiterated his conviction that it will be successful. He explained that Brussels will recognize the significant private sector backing the proposal, led by SETT , from Santander, Telefónica, and ACS—the country’s leading bank, technology company, and construction firm. The government will formally submit the bid in the coming days.

The Minister of Digital Transformation presented this Monday in Santander the ‘AI Atlas in Spain’, an overview of the deployment of AI in Spain in recent years, which he had already presented to the Council of Ministers last week.