Can the AI industry persuade data center opponents by getting rid of NDAs?

The rapid expansion of AI infrastructure has sparked significant local opposition, leading to moratoriums on new data center construction in various regions. On the latest episode of Equity, the discussion centers on whether the AI industry suffers from a fundamental communication problem. A key point of contention is the heavy reliance on non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) during the planning and negotiation phases, which critics argue fosters distrust and prevents meaningful community engagement. By examining the tension between proprietary development and public transparency, the episode explores whether abandoning these restrictive agreements could serve as a viable strategy for AI companies to win over skeptical communities. As energy and water demands from massive data centers continue to rise, the industry faces increasing pressure to adopt more open communication practices to secure the social license required for future growth and infrastructure deployment.