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Explained in plain English

Who pays for internet storage?

Storing endless gigabytes of data is not free. While cloud providers absorb initial costs, massive amounts of digital junk, including low quality artificial intelligence content, demand enormous energy and physical server space. Ultimately, tech companies pass these hidden expenses onto users and advertisers through subscriptions and higher service fees, funding the vast invisible warehouses powering our modern internet.

Stories that explain this

Snapchat to stop recommending fully AI-generated videos on its feed

Questions this opens up

Where do deleted files go? What powers data centres? Who owns undersea cables?

Related explainers

What is 'AI slop'? The business of feeds The cost of junk Can data centres go green? Who guards the deep sea? What happens to abandoned websites? Why human content wins How long do servers last?

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