Wednesday briefing: From missing billions to non-existent data centers – everything about Britain’s AI effort

Good morning In recent years, artificial intelligence has been touted as the technology that will transform the economy. Governments have promised billions in investment, data centers and supercomputers, and a wave of new jobs as AI becomes “entrenched” in the economy. But what happens when you examine the numbers behind these promises more closely?

This question is at the heart of a series of recent investigations by the Guardian. The results were striking – not least that the site remains a scaffolding yard for a much-hyped new supercomputer, due to be operational by the end of the year to boost the UK economy.

I spoke to for today’s newsletter Aisha Downa Guardian reporter on artificial intelligence, the puzzling aspects of recent deals and announcements in the UK, and what happens when growth-hungry governments seem to embrace AI promises faster than they can be verified. But first, the headlines.

Five big stories

1. Center…