Amazon drops secrecy clauses around new AI data centers

Amazon Web Services says it has stopped using nondisclosure agreements when negotiating new data-center projects with government agencies, following a similar step by Microsoft. The decision comes amid community concerns over electricity demand, water use, property values and the transparency of local development agreements.

An October 11 industry discussion highlighted how secrecy around the construction of AI infrastructure has fueled mistrust. Removing NDAs could make proposed developments easier to scrutinize, but it does not resolve contested permitting, energy-supply or financing questions.

The shift matters because AI growth increasingly depends on physical infrastructure and public consent, not just faster models.