Deepfake videos generated by AI tools, like OpenAI’s Sora, are dominating social media, showcasing hyper-realistic content featuring deceased celebrities in disturbing scenarios. This trend has provoked families, including that of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., to request bans on using their loved ones in such content. However, the rise of deepfake technology not only raises ethical concerns but also has significant environmental implications. Dr. Kevin Grecksch of the University of Oxford warns that deepfake production occurs in energy-intensive data centers that consume considerable electricity and fresh water for cooling. With Sora recently hitting over a million downloads in just five days, the environmental costs of these technologies are often overlooked. Dr. Grecksch emphasizes the need for mindful usage and better planning for data center locations, especially in water-scarce areas like South Oxfordshire. As AI continues to evolve, addressing these critical environmental issues is imperative for sustainable technology development.
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