Can the AI industry persuade data center opponents by getting rid of NDAs?
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Amazon has announced it will stop using nondisclosure agreements when negotiating data center projects with local governments, following a similar move by Microsoft. This decision aims to address community backlash and improve transparency regarding the impact of AI infrastructure on property values, electricity bills, and water usage. TechCrunch editors discussed how secrecy in previous negotiations contributed to public distrust and frustration. Sean O’Kane highlighted that the industry suffers from poor communication, often failing to explain the benefits of these technologies to the general public. Rebecca Bellan noted skepticism about whether recent one- or two-year moratoriums will significantly delay construction, given that many facilities are years away from completion. Anthony Ha observed that while ending NDAs is a positive first step, it may not immediately convince opponents who feel the technology's inevitability was forced upon them. The conversation emphasized that the tech sector must actively make a case for its future rather than relying on opaque deals.
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