By Sean Maguire ( July 16, 2026, 06:19 GMT | Insight) -- Tech companies welcomed Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's plan for national artificial intelligence standards, saying they want to help shape the framework as the government prepares legislation governing AI and data centers. The proposal would make mandatory new rules for large AI data centers covering electricity, grid connections and water use, with Google, Microsoft and OpenAI backing the government's overall direction and pledging to engage in consultations. Business groups were more cautious, warning that mandatory standards should not undermine Australia's competitiveness for global AI investment.Tech companies welcomed Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s plan for national AI standards, but said they want to help shape the rules governing the next generation of artificial intelligence data centers....
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