Deloitte predicts that 2025 will see key challenges for the technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) sectors, as it continues to evolve with the rapid adoption of generative AI. The industry is poised for a significant transformation, but to fully harness its potential, seven critical gaps must be addressed, according to Deloitte’s Australian TMT Predictions.
Key areas requiring attention include:
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Energy Demand and Sustainability: Generative AI data centers are consuming enormous amounts of power, and this gap in electricity supply, especially low-carbon sources, must be closed. In Australia, these centers are expected to use over 8% of the national electricity by 2030, up from 5% in 2024. This surge is driving the need for innovative, sustainable energy solutions. By 2025, most data centers under development will aim to meet high environmental standards, focusing on reducing emissions through technologies like liquid cooling.
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Gender Diversity in AI: The gender gap in AI adoption and involvement remains significant. Women in Australia trust and use generative AI at much lower rates than men, with only 50% of women in the workforce engaging with AI compared to 70% of men. Educational institutions and businesses are working to boost female participation, with women expected to make up 40% of AI education enrollments and 20% of the AI workforce by 2025.
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Trust in Deepfake Technology: The rise of deepfake technology is creating a trust deficit, as it becomes harder for consumers to distinguish real from manipulated content. This gap requires solutions to authenticate AI-generated content and improve the real-time detection of deepfakes. With deepfake scams expected to affect a growing number of Australian businesses and consumers, particularly women, developing reliable and affordable detection technologies is crucial.
Deloitte’s findings highlight the urgency of closing these gaps to unlock the full potential of AI in the TMT sector, with a focus on sustainable energy, gender equality, and trust in AI content. As the industry advances, these challenges will shape the path forward in 2025.