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US To Lease State Land For Local Data Centers Amid AI Infrastructure Push

In his final days in office, US President Joe Biden signed an executive order aimed at accelerating the large-scale construction of data centers across the country, particularly for the development of artificial intelligence (AI). Under the new directive, the federal government will lease state land for the establishment of infrastructure vital to the nation’s ongoing technological leadership, particularly in AI.

Key Facts

  • The executive order requires federal agencies to speed up the creation of large-scale AI infrastructure on state-owned land, with provisions in place to ensure investor responsibility.
  • The US Department of Defense and the Department of Energy will each designate at least three sites where the private sector can build data centers.
  • Competitive bidding processes will be held for private companies, which will be tasked with covering all costs related to construction and operation.
  • Investors will also be required to ensure that the data centers are powered by clean energy to meet their full operational capacity.
  • While the federal government will lease the land, companies will retain ownership of the materials and infrastructure they develop on the land.
  • The order mandates that the construction of AI-focused data centers on federal land be carried out through public works contracts.

Important Quote

“We must not take our leadership position for granted. We will not allow the United States to be overtaken when it comes to the technologies that will define the future, nor must we sacrifice critical environmental standards and our shared efforts to protect clean air and clean water,” said President Biden.

Key Story

This move comes just a day after the announcement of new rules governing the sharing of AI chips and models with foreign countries. These regulations aim to control global access to US-developed AI chips and technologies, ensuring that sensitive AI applications remain under US control. The new rules are focused on regulating the export of American-made chips and AI technologies, pivotal to the most advanced AI developments.

Jack Dorsey’s Bluetooth Experiment: Bitchat’s Promise and Pitfalls

Introduction

Twitter and Block founder Jack Dorsey is once again making headlines with the launch of Bitchat, a Bluetooth-enabled messaging app designed for local communication even in the absence of traditional connectivity. Developed over a single weekend in early July, Bitchat aims to redefine real-time interaction through decentralized networks.

Innovative Messaging Approach

Bitchat leverages Bluetooth mesh networks to allow users to send messages within a roughly 100-meter radius. This design ensures that individuals can communicate in environments where cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity falter, such as large-scale festivals or post-disaster scenarios. By bypassing traditional infrastructures, the app aligns with trends observed in other discreet messaging platforms like Bridgefy, which has gained prominence during critical protests and emergencies worldwide.

Security Concerns and Impersonation Risks

Although marketed as a secure and private messaging platform, early reviews have raised significant concerns. Security expert Alex Radocea has highlighted potential vulnerabilities within the app’s framework, particularly its susceptibility to impersonation—a flaw that undermines its foundational claim of an inherently secure protocol. Dorsey has acknowledged that Bitchat lacks an external security review, suggesting that undiscovered vulnerabilities may compromise the integrity of its communications.

The Challenge Of Fakes On Multiple Platforms

Bitchat is currently available on the iOS App Store and can be manually installed on Android via GitHub. However, the proliferation of counterfeit versions on the Google Play store underscores an additional challenge. These fake applications, masquerading as the legitimate app, have attracted significant downloads, complicating the landscape and necessitating caution among users. Dorsey’s advisory on social media to “beware of fakes” underscores the ongoing issue of digital authenticity in software distribution.

Conclusion

Bitchat represents a bold, experimental foray into decentralized communication, marrying cutting-edge Bluetooth technology with the vision of a secure messaging platform. Yet, as with many pioneering technologies, Bitchat must navigate critical challenges—from ensuring robust security to combating fraudulent imitations—if it is to realize its full potential in an increasingly interconnected world.

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