Why Meta Builds Its Own AI Data Centers

Meta Platforms Inc. designs and operates its own custom AI data centers to power Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads, and Meta AI, according to Meta's VP of Data Centers Rachel Peterson in a discussion with developer Tom Shaw. Peterson explains the engineering challenges, cooling methods, water usage, and site selection for these facilities, emphasizing Meta's preparation for future AI needs and personal superintelligence.

Developer and creator Tom Shaw sits down with Meta’s VP of Data Centers Rachel Peterson to discuss how Meta builds the infrastructure that powers Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads, Meta AI, and more. Listen as they discuss why Meta designs and operates its own custom data centers instead of relying on third-party infrastructure, how Meta is preparing for the future of AI, and the engineering challenges involved in building some of the world’s largest computing facilities. They’ll answer questions such as: - Why does Meta build its own AI data centers? - What does the infrastructure behind Meta AI actually look like? - How are AI data centers cooled efficiently? - How much water do Meta’s data centers really use? - How does Meta choose where to build new data centers? - How does Meta’s infrastructure support personal superintelligence?