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MIT researchers have concluded in a new study that computers that power self-driving cars could generate as many greenhouse gas emissions as the total of the world\\u2019s data centres do today. We\\u2019ve reported many times on the huge carbon footprint of data centres as well as the massive amounts of electricity needed to run them. They currently account for 0.3% of global greenhouse gas emissions \\u2013 a similar level to Argentina - according to the International Energy Agency. The models created show that 1 billion autonomous vehicles, driving for one hour a day each, need a computer consuming 840 watts. These would consume enough energy to generate similar emissions as data centres currently do. Lead author Soumya Sudhakar joins us on the show to explain how hardware efficiency will need to advance rapidly to avoid these high levels of emissions.

Brazil\\u2019s antisocial media\\nFollowing last week\\u2019s events in Brasilia we look at the role social media played in the violence by far-right protestors. Angelica Mari, and activist and researcher Bruna Martins dos Santos who specialises in the Politics of Digitalization discuss if President Lula\\u2019s new government can reclaim the social media space and curb the spread of far right disinformation.

Getting South Africa connected \\u2013 a new initiative\\nLast week we heard from one of our listeners about how he tries to stay online during power shortages in Ukraine following Russian air strikes. Another country that is significantly affected by energy shortages is South Africa. In addition, getting a reliable internet connection is also very hard. The government has announced that it\\u2019s going to spend over 160 million dollars over the next three years creating 33,000 community Wi-Fi hotspots as well as investing in improving IT skills across the population. Our reporter Rani Singh has been looking at how this might be achieved\\u2026

The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell with expert commentary from Angelica Mari.\\n\\t\\nStudio Manager: Michael Millham\\nProducer: Ania Lichtarowicz

(Image: Stylised car icon. Credit: Smartboy10/Getty Images)