OpenAI Abandons NDAs for Its Data Centers

OpenAI abandons the use of non-disclosure agreements with public officials for its data center projects. The company, however, outlines limited exceptions and announces a series of local commitments, including financial and employment initiatives. This shift comes after a vote marked by opposition to the expansion of data centers, while Amazon made a similar choice in October.

Each future campus will have a local compact and declared obligations

OpenAI plans that each future computing campus it owns and operates will be equipped with a local compact, which will include the commitments made and take into account local priorities. The company uses the term computing campus to refer to its data centers. Among the announced commitments are the payment of the total cost of electricity consumed and the infrastructure needed to supply it. OpenAI also plans to publish the jobs it intends to create and report on the recruitment related to these projects.

End of NDAs with limited exceptions for security and trade secrets

OpenAI has stated that it will no longer use non-disclosure agreements with public officials in the context of its data center initiatives. From now on, only restricted protective measures will remain for information related to security, trade secrets, or sensitive competitive data.

Decision made after a hostile vote and a precedent at Amazon

This measure was taken following a vote in which voters opposed the expansion of data centers. Many similar projects have faced criticism regarding the use of non-disclosure agreements to obscure exchanges between developers and local elected officials. In October, Amazon had also announced that it would stop using NDAs with government agencies involved in its own data center projects.