AI groups cite foreign social media activity in data center opposition

Pro-AI organizations say they have identified social media posts they attribute to accounts based outside the United States that criticize data center construction. The groups point to accounts located in South Asia, Africa, Poland, and Bangladesh that posted messages between May 22 and May 26. The posts referenced job losses, water pressure issues, noise, and pension fund use.

CEO of NetChoice, said Americans already hold concerns about AI and that this makes the topic open to foreign messaging. Pro-AI groups have asked congressional intelligence committee chairs to examine whether foreign accounts are attempting to slow data center projects.

Local opposition Elena Schlossberg, a Northern Virginia-based activist, stated that resistance to data centers is driven by residents contacting groups for assistance. Kevin O'Leary, an investor in a planned 40,000-acre data center project in Utah, has said foreign accounts are spreading misinformation about the project, which he is now scaling back.

A Gallup survey conducted in May found 71 percent of Americans oppose data center construction in their communities.

Counter arguments Tim Donaghy, research director for Greenpeace USA, said corporations often label community criticism as the work of outside actors. Jason Smith, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, has stated that some U.S. nonprofits receive funding from China and have opposed data center projects.