Big Tech Uses NDAs to Hide AI Data Center Projects from Local Communities Across 14 States
Summary
Major technology companies are using non-disclosure agreements with local governments across 14 states to secretly develop AI data centers, preventing residents from knowing who is building in their communities and sparking revolts in places like Missouri and Arizona where transparency-starved citizens are enacting construction bans over concerns about utility costs and environmental impacts.
Key Points
- Big Tech companies use non-disclosure agreements with local governments to keep AI data center project details secret from communities, leaving residents unable to learn who is building in their neighborhoods
- An NBC News review of over 30 data center proposals across 14 states finds that most local officials sign NDAs and work with shell companies, with five elected officials saying agreements bar them from sharing information with constituents
- The secrecy strategy backfires in some locations like Saint Charles, Missouri and Pima County, Arizona, where communities revolt against projects and enact construction bans due to lack of transparency about potential impacts on power bills, water usage, and quality of life