Amazon says it will stop using NDAs in data center negotiations

Amazon said in a post arguing that data centers benefit communities that it will stop using nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) when negotiating those projects with local governments, following a move announced by Microsoft. The topic was discussed on TechCrunch’s Equity podcast amid moratoriums and public opposition to new data centers.

Sean O’Kane said secret negotiations make it harder to address concerns about property values, electricity bills and water use, while Rebecca Bellan noted that many moratoriums last one or two years and that data centers may take two to five years to come online. The participants said the industry’s poor communication also contributes to the backlash, although it remains unclear whether ending NDAs will have a positive effect.