Australia has laid out a national road map for artificial intelligence, outlining the country's approach to developing the emerging sector and strengthening AI governance.
The new standards for AI include rules for large data centers that require significant energy, water and other resources to power and cool the computing processes, according to a statement from Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on July 15.
The infrastructure at the center of the AI push will need to use the resources responsibly and be as efficient as possible, among other legal obligations.
"Australia is the sunniest continent on Earth but we're also the driest," Albanese said in a speech that rolled out the AI plan.
"Which is why our rules will require data centers to minimize their water use, maximize their energy efficiency, and pay for any additional water infrastructure required," he said.
