Data centers have recently become a focal point for American news media. Communities across the nation are witnessing a surge in these digital infrastructures, sparking widespread discussions. Reports highlight the rapid increase of data centers in the United States and the potential impact on local lifestyles.

Political analysts predict that data centers will become significant topics in upcoming congressional, state, and local elections. Candidates’ stances on data centers may influence their political careers, not solely based on ideology, but also by campaign contributions from the data center industry.

In media portrayals, developers are often depicted as profit-driven outsiders seeking to exploit communities, many of which are minority, rural, or economically disadvantaged. There is truth to some concerns. Data center developers are known for offering impressive economic growth packages to communities willing to host their operations. These include new jobs, training initiatives, and infrastructure enhancements, particularly in regions lacking such opportunities.

However, reports of multimillion-dollar land offers have fueled skepticism, especially where residents reject such deals. The acceptance of sprawling data center complexes involves significant changes, such as high electricity and water demands, new transmission lines, backcountry zoning shifts, and industrialization of areas unaccustomed to such development.

Environmental concerns also emerge, including noise, waste, and long-term health effects, many of which remain unclear.

While developers frame their projects as investments in innovation and returns, residents focus on tangible impacts. Questions arise about potential increases in utility costs, contamination risks, and the constant noise from the centers. This discourse often centers on issues of trust. A few recent surveys underscore public skepticism. Gallup found nearly 70% of Americans oppose local AI data center construction, a sentiment echoed by a Reuters-Ipsos poll. Virginia, despite its well-established data center market and economic benefits, has seen dwindling public support.

The skepticism stems from unmet promises by technology companies. Big Tech had pledged social connection, empowerment through algorithms, economic freedom via the gig economy, and AI advancements. While some promises were fulfilled, others led to privacy invasions, commercialization of youth, algorithm-led life monitoring, and job disruptions. The wealth amassed by select companies did little to improve public trust, a sentiment now inherited by data centers.

Stanford’s 2026 AI Index reveals over 5,400 data centers in the U.S. Protests, lawsuits, and regulatory battles exemplify the tension over current and proposed data centers. Americans often prefer relinquishing technological perks in favor of trust. They want assurance that jobs will remain stable, living costs manageable, and the consequences of the booming data center industry won’t disproportionately affect the most vulnerable communities.

Despite these challenges, dismissing every data center project outright would be counterproductive. These facilities represent essential infrastructure for the 21st century, provided there is responsible governance and corporate transparency. They drive competition in AI, crucial for advances in medical, electronic, and educational sectors, amidst a technological race with China.

Data center developers recognize this dependency and must reassure the public. Simple assurances of trust are insufficient. Construction of data centers is necessary for job creation, investment, competition, and strategic benefits. The industry, however, needs to understand the social contract it negotiates. Community concerns revolve around trust in wealthy corporations making pivotal future decisions, ensuring the public benefits alongside corporate gains. Building trust could prove as valuable as any financial profit for data center companies.

Adonis Hoffman writes on business, law, and policy. He previously held senior legal roles at the FCC and in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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