US midterm results could reshape tech regulation, especially for data centers
Democratic victories in the US midterm elections may bring tighter rules for data centers and more government scrutiny of Big Tech. TechCrunch's Equity podcast discusses the implications in its latest episode.
Democratic candidates won this week's US midterm elections, and the outcome could also affect the technology industry. In the latest episode of TechCrunch's Equity podcast, journalists Kirsten Korosec, Sean O'Kane and Anthony Ha discuss what the vote may mean for tech.
Data center restrictions
According to the source, voters decided on 41 ballot measures related to data centers on Tuesday. In all but one, a majority backed stricter limits on data center development. Even where data centers were not directly on the ballot, they were a major talking point. Newly elected Democratic governors and members of Congress are likely to support additional regulation.
The podcast hosts note that OpenAI, the artificial intelligence company, is already trying to rebrand data centers. The discussion also covers growing government scrutiny of Big Tech.
Other topics in the episode
The episode also looks at other industry developments:
- whether Google's first satellite data center points to an orbital data center future;
- whether major layoffs at design software company Canva and website builder Squarespace can be blamed on AI;
- Marvell's $115 billion acquisition of Lumentum, described as one of the largest deals in history;
- why cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike acquired two AI security startups;
- what NBCUniversal's investment in Indian microdrama startup Elo Elo means for the media landscape.
Equity is TechCrunch's flagship podcast and is available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify and other platforms.
