Enabling AI-ReadyCompute CapabilitiesPublic Disclosure Authorized © 2026 The World Bank1818 H Street NW, Washington DC 20433Telephone: +1-202-473-1000; Internet: www.worldbank.orgSome rights reserved This work is a product of The World Bank. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in thiswork do not necessarily reflect the views of the Executive Directors of The World Bank or the governmentsthey represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the data included in thiswork and does not assume responsibility for any errors, omissions, or discrepancies in the information, orliability with respect to the use of or failure to use the information, methods, processes, or conclusions setforth. The boundaries, colors, denominations, links/footnotes and other information shown in this work donot imply any judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or theendorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. The citation of works authored by others does not meanthe World Bank endorses the views expressed by those authors or the content of their works. Nothing herein shall constitute or be construed or considered to be a limitation upon or waiver of theprivileges and immunities of The World Bank, all of which are specifically reserved. Rights and Permissions The material in this work is subject to copyright. Because The World Bank encourages dissemination of itsknowledge, this work may be reproduced, in whole or in part, for noncommercial purposes as long asfull attribution to this work is given. Attribution – Please cite the work as follows:World Bank.2026. Cloud and Data Center Regulation -Enabling AI-Ready Compute Capabilities: A Rapid Assessment Tool.©World Bank. Any queries on rights and licenses, including subsidiary rights, should be addressed to WorldBank Publications, The World Bank, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA; fax: +1-202-522-2625;e-mail: pubrights@worldbank.org. Cover design: Jihane Roederer Cloud and Data CenterRegulation Enabling AI-ReadyCompute Capabilities A RAPID ASSESSMENT TOOL Acknowledgements This tool was authored by Slavina Pancheva, Christopher Tullis, Beatriz Botero Arcila,and Prakhar Bhardwaj. The authors are indebted to invaluable comments from expertpeer reviewers: Carlo Maria Rossotto, Natalija Gelvanovska-Garcia, Vlad Manoil, andKeong Min Yoon. The authors would also like to thank the following individuals fortheir various contributions: Jerome Bezzina, Nay Constantine, Guri Gabriella Hagen,Liana Korkotyan, Daria Lavrentieva, Ines O Farrell, Camila Saad, Warren Smith, andAmbrose Wong (World Bank), as well as Natasha Beschorner (AWS), David Guitton( Jones Day), Michael Kende (Analysys Mason), May-Ann Lim (Access Partnership),Ligia Lopes (AWS), Carsten Maple (Alan Turing Institute), Ian Walden (University ofLondon) and Ben Welby (OECD). Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AcknowledgementsivIntroduction1Cloud and Data Center Regulation Rapid Assessment Tool5 Demand: Promoting Government Cloud Adoption11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.1Inclusion in national digital strategies and roadmaps111.2Government cloud policy with a risk-based approach131.3Data classification and handling policy171.4Modern cloud procurement201.5Standards, labels and certifications251.6Institutional organization27 Supply: Attracting Private Capital31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.1Intermediary liability protection312.2Permits and licenses332.3Competition and business climate372.4Tax policy and incentives392.5PPP frameworks40 Ensuring Privacy, Security, and Sustainability45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .