Amazon Drops NDAs on Data Center Deals, Mirrors Microsoft

Amazon has declared that it will cease using nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) in negotiations for data center projects with local governments. The change comes after Microsoft adopted a comparable approach earlier this year, signaling a broader industry move toward openness.

The secrecy surrounding AI infrastructure has sparked significant community backlash, leading to hundreds of proposed or enacted moratoriums across cities from New York to San Francisco. Critics argue that hidden deals hinder public oversight of AI deployment.

By dropping NDAs, Amazon aims to increase transparency and rebuild trust with municipalities and the public. The company hopes the new stance will mitigate opposition and set a precedent for other tech firms engaged in AI‑related construction.

While the policy shift addresses concerns about secrecy, the broader debate over AI infrastructure regulation continues, with local authorities weighing the benefits of advanced technology against potential risks.

The development underscores a growing expectation that major AI players will operate with greater accountability, especially as startups vie for consumer access to AI agents and related services.