The UK government has elevated data centres to the status of “Critical National Infrastructure” (CNI), putting them in the same league as power grids and water supplies.
This announcement follows the announcement earlier this year of major investments in UK data centres. DC01UK has proposed a £3.75 billion ($4.88 billion) development in Hertfordshire, which would become Europe’s largest data centre. Amazon Web Services (AWS) has also committed £8 billion over the next five years to expand its data centre operations in the UK.
The government’s move aims to reassure both businesses and investors about the robustness of the country’s digital infrastructure. Peter Kyle, the UK’s Technology Minister, highlighted the importance of this shift: “Bringing data centres into the Critical National Infrastructure regime will allow better coordination and cooperation with the government against cyber criminals and unexpected events.”
By including data centres in the CNI category, the government hopes to strengthen resilience against such threats and offer better coordination with agencies like the National Cyber Security Centre and emergency services.
In the broader context, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has positioned this initiative as part of a larger strategy to promote economic growth through digital infrastructure. The Labour government has expressed its intent to streamline planning and reduce regulatory barriers to encourage the construction and operation of data centres, while also facilitating access to renewable energy sources.
This marks the first CNI designation in nearly a decade and signals the government’s focus on bolstering the UK’s digital economy, especially as data centres play a crucial role in the growth of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.
Centraleyes will continue monitoring developments and providing insights into how this reclassification impacts cybersecurity. Stay tuned for more updates!
