Welcome news indeed, that data centres in the UK are set to join the ranks of critical national infrastructure, alongside sectors such as emergency services, finance, healthcare, energy, and water supplies. This move is aimed at providing additional government support during major incidents, including cyberattacks, IT outages, or extreme weather events, to minimise disruptions.
Other than the industry itself, little is known about the role of data centres in our daily lives from media streaming to telecommunications, housing the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) to supporting other critical national infrastructure industries. For many years, data centre development has been met with criticism due to the negative perception that has been created through lack of knowledge or educating the market’s public. This is now changing and has clearly resulted in a positive move from the UK government.
It is encouraging to see that the new Labour government has pledged support for the sector. Peter Kyle, the technology secretary, described data centres as “the engines of modern life.” Their inclusion in the list of critical infrastructure underscores their importance, especially as more industries and services become increasingly dependent on digital infrastructure.
The demand for data centres is growing rapidly, driven in part by the expansion of AI services that require vast computing resources. Major tech firms like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, and Google are investing heavily in the UK, with Amazon announcing an £8 billion investment over the next five years for building and operating data centres in Britain. Which is a real boost!
As digital infrastructure is now an integral part of modern life, data centres development is more vital than ever. Whilst responsibility for ESG must remain a key priority, their critical role in supporting essential services like healthcare, finance, and communications, especially during crises, has made their security a top priority for governments and industry leaders alike.
Experts have long emphasised the importance of securing data centres due to the growing threat of cyberattacks. Professor Alan Woodward, a cybersecurity expert from Surrey University, noted that many people still view digital services as existing in a nebulous “cloud,” when in reality, they rely on physical infrastructure like data centres. “It’s not surprising that data centres are now to be classed as critical infrastructure as they house so many critical online services,” he added.
In addition to the classification, a team of officials will be tasked with monitoring potential threats to these facilities. This comes in response to recent incidents, such as a major cybersecurity event sparked by the firm Crowdstrike, which disrupted millions of businesses and individuals worldwide.
At the upcoming Data Centres Ireland event, industry leaders will delve deeper into the perception and misconception debate, focusing on what’s required to elevate the Republic of Ireland’s status as a leading data centre hub. While significant progress has been made by pre-eminent leaders, the discussion will focus on how to sustain and accelerate this momentum through continuing to educate Ireland’s public so that it remains at the forefront of the industry.
Susan Anderton, Founder of The Brand Marquee, who will moderate a key panel at the event, emphasised the need for public education to continue. “From central government to local authorities and beyond, perception and misconceptions are dangerous. It is worth noting that there are data centre operators making huge investments and positive moves to address power supply and ESG solutions. Raising awareness of these valuable strategies will play an important role in keeping the discussion at the top table.”
“The good work undertaken by the likes of Equinix over the past two years as well as many other operators in changing perceptions have no doubt made a difference in today’s announcement broadcast on BBC – for the UK, this is a big step towards getting publics on side!”