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 officials. However, OpenAI says it is now allowing “only narrow protections covering legitimate security information, trade secrets, or proprietary or competitively sensitive information.” In October, Amazon announced it would no longer use NDAs with government agencies it works with on data center projects.

OpenAI’s additional commitments include paying “the full cost” of electricity it uses and the “infrastructure needed to serve us.” It will make opportunities for local communities by publishing the jobs it expects to create and by reporting on hiring. And every future “compute campus” (its rebranding phrase for data centers) the company owns and operates will have a “local compact” that includes the commitments and will reflect “local priorities,” OpenAI says.