Following midterms where voters voiced opposition to data center expansion, OpenAI announced new commitments on November 6, 2026, for communities where it builds infrastructure, including stepping back from using nondisclosure agreements with public officials, according to The Verge.
Key takeaways
- OpenAI announced it won't use NDAs with public officials for data center projects.
- The company will allow narrow protections only for legitimate security, trade secrets, or proprietary information.
- OpenAI committed to paying the full cost of its electricity and required infrastructure.
- Future compute campuses will feature a local compact reflecting community priorities and job creation.
How will OpenAI change its NDA policy for data center projects?
Many data center projects previously faced scrutiny for relying on nondisclosure agreements to hide talks between developers and local officials. The Verge reports that OpenAI is altering this approach by permitting only narrow protections covering legitimate security information, trade secrets, or proprietary or competitively sensitive information. Amazon previously announced a similar shift in October regarding government agencies.
What commitments are included in the new compute campus plans?
Beyond changing its stance on NDAs, OpenAI stated it will pay the full cost of the electricity it uses as well as the infrastructure needed to serve its facilities. The company also plans to publish expected job openings and report on hiring to benefit local communities. Every future compute campus owned and operated by the company will include a local compact honoring these promises and reflecting regional priorities.
Why this matters for local communities
Voters recently showed strong opposition to data center expansion during midterm elections, putting pressure on developers to change how they operate. These new transparency measures aim to address public concerns by giving communities clear insight into job creation, hiring practices, and utility costs associated with large AI infrastructure developments in their neighborhoods.
Frequently asked questions
OpenAI announced new commitments for communities where it works on data center projects, including stopping the use of nondisclosure agreements with public officials.
No, the company allows narrow protections covering legitimate security information, trade secrets, or proprietary and competitively sensitive information.
Amazon announced in October that it would no longer use nondisclosure agreements with government agencies it works with on data center projects.
Compute campus is OpenAI's rebranding phrase for data centers. Every future campus the company owns and operates will feature a local compact reflecting local priorities.
OpenAI committed to paying the full cost of the electricity it uses as well as the infrastructure needed to serve its compute campuses.
Based on reporting by The Verge. Read the original article
