OpenAI says it will stop using NDAs with public officials for data center projects

OpenAI announced new commitments to communities where it is working on data center projects, including that it will not use non-disclosure agreements with public officials. The move follows this week's midterms, where voters resoundingly voiced opposition to data center expansion.

NDA change and narrow protections

Many data center projects have come under scrutiny for relying on NDAs to hide discussions between developers and local officials. OpenAI said it is now allowing only narrow protections covering legitimate security information, trade secrets, or proprietary or competitively sensitive information. In October, Amazon announced it would no longer use NDAs with government agencies it works with on data center projects.

Electricity, infrastructure, and jobs

OpenAI's additional commitments include paying the full cost of electricity it uses and the infrastructure needed to serve it. The company said it will make opportunities for local communities by publishing the jobs it expects to create and by reporting on hiring.

Local compacts for future campuses

Every future compute campus, OpenAI's rebranding phrase for data centers, that the company owns and operates will have a local compact that includes the commitments and will reflect local priorities, OpenAI said.

Sources: The Verge