OpenAI refers to data centers as “compute campuses”

OpenAI appears to be adopting the term “compute campuses” for its data centers, as facilities used for artificial intelligence face growing public opposition. Data centers are often criticized as noisy, resource-intensive developments, and the issue has drawn resistance across political lines.

Elmore said the change in terminology may be an effort to keep pace with Anthropic, while arguing that OpenAI has not presented the idea as effectively. Earlier this year, Anthropic said it would pay for all upgrades required to connect its data centers to power grids, including costs that would otherwise be passed on to consumers. It also pledged billions of dollars for community projects created with local leaders, protection for local water supplies, and no requests for public officials to sign nondisclosure agreements. Anthropic said the commitments cover both leased and owned facilities. Most of its infrastructure is currently leased, but an S-1 filing ahead of its IPO indicates plans to build substantially more of its own sites, many of which would rely on gas.