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Revealed: UK's multibillion AI drive is built on 'phantom investments'

5 hours ago
  • #UK economy
  • #transparency
  • #AI investment
  • UK government's AI investment claims are under scrutiny for 'phantom investments' and lack of oversight.
  • CoreWeave and NScale, linked to Nvidia, are central to the UK's AI investment plans but their contributions are questioned.
  • CoreWeave's £1bn investment in the UK involved renting space in existing datacentres, not building new ones.
  • NScale's $2.5bn investment includes a supercomputer project in Loughton, but the site remains a scaffolding yard with no clear progress.
  • Government admits some investments are not formal contracts but 'intentions to commit capital', raising transparency concerns.
  • Claims of job creation and renewable energy commitments in projects like Lanarkshire's AI growth zone are disputed.
  • Experts warn that without proper oversight, AI investments may primarily benefit US-based companies rather than the UK economy.