OpenAI is stepping back from NDAs for data center projects
Following this week's midterms where voters resoundingly voiced their opposition to data center expansion, OpenAI today announced new commitments to communities where it is working on data center projects, including that it won't use non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) with public officials. Many data center projects have come under scrutiny for relying on NDAs to hide discussions between developers and local…
Key points
- OpenAI says it will not use non-disclosure agreements with public officials on data center projects.
- The company will pay the full cost of the electricity it uses and the infrastructure needed to serve it.
- Every future compute campus OpenAI owns and operates will have a local compact reflecting local priorities.
OpenAI has announced new commitments to communities where it is working on data center projects, including a pledge not to use non-disclosure agreements with public officials. The announcement followed this week's midterms, where the article says voters voiced strong opposition to data center expansion.
The company said it will allow only narrow protections covering legitimate security information, trade secrets, or proprietary or competitively sensitive information. In October, Amazon said it would stop using NDAs with government agencies it works with on data center projects.
Costs and local jobs
OpenAI said it will pay the full cost of the electricity it uses and the infrastructure needed to serve it. It also said it will create opportunities for local communities by publishing the jobs it expects to create and by reporting on hiring.
only narrow protections covering legitimate security information, trade secrets, or proprietary or competitively sensitive information
— OpenAI
Local compacts for campuses
The company said every future compute campus, its term for data centers, that it owns and operates will have a local compact. OpenAI said the compact will include these commitments and reflect local priorities.
