Europe’s AI factories should slow down, UN adviser warns

A UN adviser warns that data centres have become prime military targets, urging Europe to slow down its AI infrastructure buildout following drone strikes in Ukraine and the Middle East that have disrupted economies and public services. Mehdi Paryavi, founder of the International Data Center Authority, said attacks on these facilities can paralyse military, healthcare, and finance functions. He argued that traditional site-selection advice is outdated, suggesting underground bunkers or protective systems like "iron domes" may be necessary. The European Commission has launched a tender for up to seven AI gigafactories, closing November 12, but has not commented on warfare risks. Paryavi noted data centres cost up to $25 billion each and take three years to build, making damage "almost irreversible" and urging European states to act collectively.