Amazon has followed Microsoft by announcing it will no longer use nondisclosure agreements when negotiating data center projects with local governments. The move addresses growing community pushback against the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure and the resource demands that accompany it. TechCrunch editors discussed the policy change on the Equity podcast, highlighting how secretive negotiations have historically fueled public distrust regarding property values, electricity bills, and water usage.
Industry observers noted that the tech sector has struggled to communicate the practical benefits of AI to local communities, leading to friction and temporary moratoriums in various regions. While some analysts remain skeptical about whether dropping NDAs will immediately halt infrastructure delays caused by zoning and funding issues, others view transparency as a critical step toward resolving long-standing tensions between tech companies and municipal governments.
This policy shift by major cloud providers represents a strategic attempt to mend community relations and counter the narrative that AI infrastructure development is being forced upon towns in secret.