To the Point
The Dark Side of 'The Cloud'
Internet technology uses more electrical power than any other US industry except for manufacturing. How much energy is wasted to keep your information available full time?
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenInternet technology now uses more electrical power than any other American industry except for manufacturing. How much energy is wasted to keep your information available full time? Is there a dark side to "The Cloud?" Also, the US Supreme Court will consider legalizing gay marriage, and the TSA is removing X-Ray scanners from major American airports. we find out why.
Banner image: Interior of Apple's data center in Maiden, North Carolina
In this episode
3 storiesUS Supreme Court to Consider Legalizing Gay Marriage
In this month's elections, several states legalized same-sex marriage . Advocates are looking at seven others to add to the growing number. But next week, the US Supreme Court is set to decide whether it should take up the issue.
Read the story8 minIs Internet Technology Really 'Clean' Technology?
Internet companies tell computer users their data is stored on "The Cloud," and a lot of them worry it might be disturbed by the weather. In reality, "The Cloud" is million of severs in hundreds of warehouse-sized buildings that can use enough electricity to power a medium-sized town.
Read the story36 minTSA Scanners Warehoused
X-Ray body scanners have been controversial since the Transportation Security Administration began installing them in airports after the failed underwear bombing on Christmas Day, 2009. Now, the TSA is planning some changes that travelers -- and taxpayers -- will want to know about.
Read the story7 min
