Tech giants promise more money and transparency for data centres

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 19:03 · Archive

Google, Meta and other technology companies are offering host communities more financial incentives and greater transparency to overcome growing opposition to data centre projects.

Technology giants including Google and Meta are offering host communities more money, fewer taxpayer handouts and greater transparency to overcome mounting opposition to data centre projects across the United States.

Opposition to data centres has become politically toxic despite backing from President Donald Trump. Community resistance has blocked municipal permits and become a bottleneck for projects, with tech companies warning of further challenges if voters elect more public officials sceptical of data centres. Anti-data centre sentiment has become a potent issue in midterm elections, with control of Congress and 36 governors' offices at stake.

Beyond increased financial incentives, Google and Meta officials told the Associated Press they are addressing community mistrust through greater transparency about planned projects. Companies are also pledging to reduce their environmental impact and offering assurances that data centres will boost local property values. Devi Thomas, Google's global head of community development and engagement, stated that 'early public consultation is increasingly a very important part of the process' and that the company has worked to ensure communities are involved early on.

How it is being reported

• Facing pushback on data centers, tech giants are promising hosts more money and fewer secretsWith host communities across the U.S. turning against their gargantuan data centers, America’s technology giants are promising to take fewer taxpayer handouts, keep fewer secrets or shower more money onto the communities willing to allow the server warehouses.News4Jax · 21 Oct, 18:31
• Facing pushback on data centers, tech giants are promising hosts more money and fewer secretsWith host communities across the U.S. turning against their gargantuan data centers, America’s technology giants are promising to take fewer taxpayer handouts, keep fewer secrets or shower more money onto the communities willing to allow the server warehouses.Clickorlando · 21 Oct, 18:31

In this story: Google · Meta · Donald Trump · Devi Thomas · United States

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