AI CEO Calls Out People Who Bash AI but Can’t Stop Using It

A challenge to AI critics

“All the people that are saying they're anti-data center, that they're anti-AI in general, they're using it,” Beschloss said Wednesday at CNBC’s Trading the Midterms event. He said people would face a difficult choice if asked to shut down data centers or ChatGPT. The remarks came as debate continues over the infrastructure needed to run AI systems.

Verb offers data exchange

Beschloss leads Verb, a data exchange where users can sell proprietary information to AI companies. Users choose what data to share and set a reserve price, while buyers decide whether to purchase it. The service gives users a way to control which information they offer and the price they seek.

Data centers draw concern

OpenAI released ChatGPT in 2022, and technology companies have since raced to lead the AI market. Meta, Google and other major firms have invested heavily in AI development, which they say could transform areas including health and work.

Data centers power AI systems and have become a visible focus of concerns about the technology. Supporters say the facilities bring jobs, support local economies and bolster national security; critics warn they can strain electric grids, increase utility prices, harm the environment and disrupt daily life. A Gallup survey published in May found that 7 of 10 Americans surveyed opposed having a data center built near their homes.