Blurs

How Much Water Does a Data Centre Use? Data centres power the internet—from streaming and cloud storage to AI tools—but behind the scenes, they also consume significant amounts of water.  So how much are we really talking about, and why does it matter? Why Data Centres Use Water At their core, data centres are filled with servers that generate heat 24/7. To prevent overheating, operators rely on cooling systems—and many of these use water. There are two main cooling approaches: • Air cooling: Uses chilled air (less water, more electricity) • Liquid cooling: Uses water directly or indirectly (more efficient, but water-intensive) Water is especially common in evaporative cooling systems, where heat is removed through evaporation—similar to how sweat cools your body. So, How Much Water Are We Talking About? The answer varies depending on size, climate, and technology—but here are realistic benchmarks: A medium-to-large data centre can use 300,000 to 5 million gallons (1–19 million li...

Is Western Imperialism the Driving Force Behind Facial Recognition? A Critical Examination of Power, Technology, and Global Influence Facial recognition technology has moved rapidly from science fiction to everyday reality — from unlocking smartphones to automated policing and mass surveillance.  But as this technology expands, a controversial question has emerged: is imperialism — broadly understood as powerful actors extending control or influence over others — a driving force behind facial recognition? To answer this, we must unpack what facial recognition is, how it’s deployed, and whether patterns of technological dominance reflect imperial‑like dynamics. What Is Facial Recognition Technology? Facial recognition refers to systems that identify or verify a person’s identity based on their facial features. At a basic level, this involves capturing a face from an image or video and comparing it to a database of known faces. This simple description, however, masks a far more compl...

The earliest forms of surveillance go back thousands of years and were much simpler than today’s digital systems—they relied on human observation, record-keeping, and physical control. Here’s a clear progression of how surveillance began and evolved: Ancient Civilizations (3000 BCE onward) Early states needed ways to control populations, collect taxes, and prevent rebellion. In Ancient Egypt, officials kept detailed census records and monitored workers and farmers. In Ancient Rome, authorities used informants and local officials to report suspicious activity. The Roman Empire also maintained extensive records on citizens, property, and movements. 👉 These systems were mostly bureaucratic—writing things down and reporting up the chain. Early Spy Networks Surveillance quickly became tied to intelligence gathering. In ancient China, texts like The Art of War (by Sun Tzu) describe the use of spies and informants. Medieval rulers across Europe and the Middle East relied on court informants ...

How to Opt Out of Public Facial Recognition Databases: A Complete Guide Facial recognition technology is increasingly used in public spaces, law enforcement, and even online platforms.  While it can enhance security, it also raises significant privacy concerns. If you value your privacy, you may want to opt out of facial recognition databases where your biometric data could be stored or used. This guide will walk you through what public facial recognition databases are, why opting out matters, and actionable steps you can take in the UK (and beyond). 1. Understanding Public Facial Recognition Databases Public facial recognition databases are systems that store facial images and biometric data for identification purposes.  They include: • Law enforcement databases: Images captured from CCTV, bodycams, or public cameras. • Government systems: Passport, ID, or border control biometric systems. • Commercial platforms: Social media sites or photo-sharing apps that automatically ta...

Facial Recognition in the UK: Concerns About Police Misuse of Power Facial recognition technology has become one of the most debated tools in modern policing.  While it offers clear advantages in identifying suspects and improving public safety, it also raises serious questions about privacy, accountability, and the potential for misuse.  In the UK, these concerns have sparked ongoing public and legal scrutiny. What is facial recognition in policing? Facial recognition technology allows police to compare images of people captured on cameras with databases of known individuals.  In the UK, this has typically taken two forms: • Live facial recognition (LFR): Cameras scan faces in real time in public spaces. • Retrospective facial recognition: Images from CCTV or other sources are analysed after an incident. Police forces, including the Metropolitan Police Service, have trialled and deployed these systems in certain situations, often citing crime prevention and suspect ident...