Science & Tech · AI · 4 hrs ago
Amazon says it will stop using NDAs in data center talks
Amazon says it will stop using nondisclosure agreements in talks with local governments about data centers, following Microsoft’s lead.
These agreements can keep parts of negotiations private, including who may use a planned facility.
The decision comes as some communities oppose data center projects and have passed temporary pauses on construction.
Residents and local officials have raised questions about possible effects on property values, electricity bills and water use.
One view is that secrecy has made it harder for the public to understand the projects and their benefits.
Amazon presented the change as part of a broader case that data centers can help communities.
It is not yet clear whether ending NDAs will ease opposition or change whether projects go ahead.
Amazon says it will stop using nondisclosure agreements while negotiating with local governments over data centers.
The announcement appeared in a longer blog post arguing that data centers benefit communities.
Amazon’s move follows Microsoft’s lead.
TechCrunch’s Equity podcast discussed whether ending NDAs could help address opposition to data center projects.
- Who
- Amazon.
- What
- It says it will no longer use NDAs in negotiations with local governments over data centers.
- When
- Recently; the article was published on October 11, 2026.
- Where
- In negotiations with local governments; specific locations are not stated.
- Why
- Not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
We’ve seen, through a lot of the controversy and backlash to AI and data centers, that the industry just does a really poor job explaining itself, and that they are obviously and constantly frustrated with the fact that most people can’t envision a world in which this stuff is useful for them
I’m glad Amazon’s doing this. We’ll see if it actually does have any positive effect, but people are pretty entrenched right now
I’m curious about what effect this will have and whether it will lead to communities successfully delaying or or killing any infrastructure that the companies need to build
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Company
- Amazon
- Precedent
- Microsoft had already said it would stop using NDAs in data center negotiations with local governments.
- Negotiations
- Amazon’s policy concerns talks with local governments over data centers
- Publication date
- October 11, 2026
Sources
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