Google to build AI data centre on Christmas Island

Google plans to build an artificial intelligence data centre on remote Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean. The facility is to be built near the airport and will be connected by undersea cable to Darwin, where the US Marine Corps base is located.

The project, which has not yet been publicly unveiled by anyone, is linked to a three-year cloud deal between Google and the Australian Department of Defence.

Experts say the data centre will play a strategic role in defence operations, particularly in monitoring Chinese activity. It is also to serve as a command centre for unmanned systems during a potential conflict.

Google's presence may also improve infrastructure and employment on the island of 1 600 inhabitants, which has so far lacked technological investment.

Some residents share concerns about militarization, but others see the project as an economic opportunity. The island's mayor, Steve Pereira, stated that the project will be assessed in terms of its impact on the community. Google and the Australian Department of Defence have not yet commented on the matter.

(reuters, max)