Microsoft made a significant announcement on Tuesday, unveiling a $3.2 billion Australian dollar (approximately $2.1 billion USD) investment in Australia focused on cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI). This move is expected to boost the country’s economy and enhance its electronic defenses.
Details of this landmark deal were disclosed by top executives from the American tech giant alongside the Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, who is on a four-day official visit to the United States.
Microsoft stated in a press release that this investment marks the largest in its 40-year history in Australia. The company plans to expand its cloud computing and AI infrastructure in Australia over the next two years, including the addition of nine data centers to the twenty already existing in Canberra, Sydney, and Melbourne.
The tech giant also announced its collaboration with the Australian Signals Directorate and the Australian Cyber Security Centre to establish an “electronic shield” aimed at safeguarding the nation from cyber threats.
Prime Minister Albanese welcomed this investment during a press conference at the Australian Embassy in Washington, D.C. He emphasized that Microsoft’s partnership with the Signals Directorate would enhance Australia’s capability to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats.
He stated to reporters, “We know this affects all companies. We also know it’s about individuals and protecting their identity. We need to get this right.”
Last year, 76,000 cybercrimes were reported to the Australian Cyber Security Centre, with experts suggesting that many cyberattacks go unreported. In late 2022, personal data of over nine million individuals was stolen during a cyberattack on the telecommunications company “Optus,” and details of up to 9.7 million people ended up on the dark web after a breach at the health insurer “Medibank.”
