White House drops data centers from critical tech list

The White House removed data centers, batteries, and augmented reality from the US critical and emerging technologies list, its first rewrite since February 2024. New additions include post-quantum cryptography, integrated photonics, and high-entropy alloys.

Why it matters: Removal from this list can affect which technologies get prioritized for federal funding, export controls, and national security review, so dropping data centers is a notable signal about how Washington is now framing AI infrastructure. It suggests policymakers see data centers as commoditized infrastructure rather than a strategic technology needing special protection.