Artificial Intelligence raises democratic risks and data‑center demand in Central America

Artificial intelligence (AI) is already reshaping democratic processes, influencing how citizens receive information, how campaigns persuade voters, and how misinformation spreads. Experts warn that AI can make disinformation cheaper and faster, threaten election integrity, and increase privacy risks, urging democracies to establish rules and oversight before non‑democratic actors exploit the technology.

At the same time, AI’s rapid growth is driving a surge in energy consumption for data centers. Estimates suggest a 160 % rise in data‑center electricity demand by 2030, prompting a shift toward modular, high‑efficiency infrastructure. Schneider Electric introduced its Galaxy VXL modular UPS to help data centers expand capacity without large physical footprints. In Central America, Costa Rica, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic are emerging as early adopters, though the region captures only about 1 % of global AI investment despite representing 6 % of world GDP.

Both developments highlight the dual challenge of governing AI’s societal impact while upgrading the underlying digital infrastructure to meet its expanding needs.