Shadow AI use rises among European managers while AI data‑centre water demand spikes

A Sharp Europe survey of 2,500 managers across ten European markets found that 44 % of senior leaders admit to using artificial‑intelligence tools without informing their teams, aiming to appear more competent. 37 % of leaders have hidden AI use on specific tasks, and 33 % fear being seen as lazy or dishonest if they disclose it. Concerns include lack of technical certainty, distrust of AI‑generated results, and potential loss of authority. One‑third of respondents see undisclosed AI as a real business risk, and experts say the next phase of AI adoption will focus on transparency, oversight and cultural openness.

A UN university report warns that AI data‑centre operations could dramatically increase resource consumption. By 2030, AI‑driven data centres are projected to use enough water to match the annual domestic consumption of 1.3 billion people, comparable to household use in China, and require about 945 terawatt‑hours of electricity annually – roughly three times current levels. The report notes that the majority of this energy use stems from everyday AI interactions, not just model training, raising concerns about rising energy costs and environmental impact.