OpenAI is stepping back from NDAs for data center projects

<figure> <img alt="Graphic image of a data center." data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge, Getty Images" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/STKS528_DATA_CENTERS2_B.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption> </figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Following this week's midterms where voters resoundingly voiced their <a href="https://www.theverge.com/policy/1026365/data-centers-midterms-results">opposition to data center expansion</a>, OpenAI today announced <a href="https://openai.com/index/setting-new-standard-responsible-ai-infrastructure/">new commitments</a> to communities where it is working on data center projects, including that it won't use non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) with public officials.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Many data center projects have come under scrutiny for relying on NDAs to <a href="https://www.npr.org/2026/08/27/nx-s1-5879528/data-center-nda-disclosure-louisiana">hide discussions</a> 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 <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/1003929/amazon-ai-data-center-blog-warning">it would</a> no longer u …</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/1028454/openai-data-center-nda">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>