Criticism has emerged that people opposing construction of AI data centres still actively use AI services. As dependence on AI technology rises, social conflict over expanding data centres could intensify.

Business Insider reported on Oct. 15 that Cyrus Beschloss (사이러스 베슐로스), CEO of AI data trading platform Verb, highlighted what he called contradictions in anti-AI sentiment at a CNBC "Trading the Midterms" event the previous day.

"People who say they oppose data centres and AI are actually using AI," Beschloss said. He added that if people had to choose between halting data centre construction and giving up using ChatGPT, it would not be an easy decision. He said the AI industry would face a major turning point.

Verb is a platform that helps individuals sell their data to AI companies and receive compensation. Users set the data they will share and the price they want, and buying companies decide whether to proceed with a transaction. Verb said its own data show AI assistant users' questions largely focus on studies, writing, work and side jobs. It said AI is becoming an everyday productivity tool.

But a backlash against the AI industry is also growing. Critics are concerned about job displacement, copyright infringement and environmental damage. AI data centres, in particular, have faced opposition from local communities because they consume large amounts of electricity and cooling water.

A Gallup poll released in May found 71 percent of Americans opposed building AI data centres in their local areas. Those expressing strong opposition accounted for 48 percent. Supporters of data centre construction stress it helps create jobs, revitalise local economies and strengthen national security.

The Trump administration is also supporting efforts to expand AI infrastructure, including the Stargate project worth up to $500 billion, involving OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank.

Still, because using AI services and opposing local data centre construction are separate issues, a key factor for expanding AI infrastructure will be how companies address the burdens on power and water resources and residents' concerns.