OpenAI limits NDAs for data center projects

OpenAI says it will not use non-disclosure agreements with public officials as part of new commitments for communities where it is developing data center projects. The announcement follows this week’s midterm elections, in which voters strongly opposed further data center expansion.

The company says confidentiality provisions will now be limited to legitimate security information, trade secrets, and proprietary or competitively sensitive material. Data center projects have faced scrutiny over the use of NDAs in discussions between developers and local authorities. Amazon announced a similar policy regarding government agencies in October.

OpenAI also says it will pay the full cost of the electricity it uses and the infrastructure required to serve its projects. It plans to publish the jobs each project is expected to create and report on hiring. Every future “compute campus” owned and operated by OpenAI will have a local compact containing these commitments and reflecting local priorities.