Who holds power over AI?
AI is shaped by data, chips, energy, capital, expertise and access to users.
What is it?
Developing the most capable models takes huge amounts of data, chips, energy and capital. So power is concentrated in a relatively small number of companies and countries. Whoever controls the infrastructure influences prices, rules and access.
An everyday example
A company builds all its work on one AI provider. When the provider raises prices or changes its terms, there is no quick alternative.
Why does it matter?
Concentration of power affects competition, privacy, digital sovereignty and whose values are built into the systems.
A common misconception
That this is only a technical or business question. Who controls AI is also a political question.
In more detail
Why do big investments matter?
Because developing the most capable systems can be very expensive and depends on specialised infrastructure.
What is vendor lock-in?
When data, workflows or apps are hard to move to another provider.
Are there public and open alternatives?
Yes. Research communities, public institutions and companies are developing a range of open and specialised solutions.
Why is this a political question?
Because decisions about access, competition and infrastructure affect who gets the benefits and who can exercise oversight.
Remember: It also matters who controls the infrastructure.
Reliable sources
Last reviewed 1 November 2026. An explainer, not professional, legal or medical advice. For rules and figures that change, check the official version.