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Many talks between data center developers and local governments are wrapped in secrecy behind non-disclosure agreements — residents question the need for NDAs, but developers argue it’s important to avoid ‘running afoul of insider trading rules’
Researchers from the University of Mary Washington in Virginia found that of the 31 localities with an existing, approved, or proposed data center, 25 of them have non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that make it difficult, if not impossible, for their citizens to find information about these projects. According to NPR, these NDAs have left the questions of many residents unanswered, making them feel left out of the decision process and increasing their distrust of their leaders.
Many officials defended signing these secrecy agreements, saying that this is standard practice among tech companies, and that they could lose the potential business and revenue that data center projects could bring to their jurisdiction if they fail to sign the NDA. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois even told the publications that NDAs are “fundamental for economic development” as they allow the state to compete with other states and territories for the data centers’ business. “The last thing that they want to have happened in the beginning of the discussion, or in any part of the discussion, is for their information that they’re sharing to be disclosed publicly. So, without NDAs, our work, frankly, just doesn’t happen,” the agency secretary said to NPR. She also added, “The irony is that we, we use NDAs not to be more cloaked, we use NDAs to be more forthcoming.”
NDAs aren’t only limited to Louisiana, as other towns across the U.S. have signed these secrecy agreements even before they started talks with potential data center projects in their regions. Some Wisconsin citizens raised a similar issue in early 2026, when at least four municipalities reportedly signed NDAs with Microsoft and Meta as they negotiated with the two companies. These confidentiality agreements are some of the things that drive the heated debate between elected officials and ordinary citizens, with the latter often feeling betrayed and sold out by the former when they belatedly find out that a data center will be put up in their community.
However, West Feliciana Parish proved that it could get a data center deal without keeping its details top secret. Parish President Kenny Havard said that economic development does not require NDAs. “I don’t think NDAs are necessary unless they’re going to bring you in a room and share some proprietary information. When you’re talking about land sales, tax incentives, those sorts of things that affect the citizens, it should be out in the open. It should be transparent,” Havard told the outlet. He also said, “We’re proud that we did it without having to sign NDAs. And I think it just shows that you can do these projects without keeping the people in the dark.”
Jowi Morales is a tech enthusiast with years of experience working in the industry. He’s been writing with several tech publications since 2021, where he’s been interested in tech hardware and consumer electronics.
Is there anything more American than government at all levels operating outside the supervision of its constituents? Vote out anyone who participates in this behavior. I don't care whatever "economic benefit" is lost, don't deal with companies that require government officials to sign NDAs.
Having a NDA in place before the public even gets to find out whats going on, its almost as if they knew the public wasn't going to like those data centers, but they built them anyways.
Simultaneous proposals for 4000 data centers in the populated areas of the United States is a complete waste and they just might be a front for concentration camps.
Thank God for the Russians.... And the Chinese. It is like a quiet assurance, knowing that EMPs are out there.... Surely, someone will eventually wake up for the first time in their NPC empty head container and have a human being thought "wow.... I want to become human and unplug".
I don't understand what is difficult to grasp here? "Rules for all of you, but not for us!" - they muzzle YOU, you... Yes, You and me, but trade the knowledge between their kind about what to invest in. How naive do you have to be to believe and trust into these rules, laws and all the other pieces of paper? The NDA only works on you, because you yourself agree to it.... Meanwhile, look at the wealth growth of every politician in your local community to the national level. See anything curious? They totally abide by the NDAs!!!
Even if there is no NDA, your local clowns have no interest to let you know, where and what is going to be built ... So long as it feeds them coins.
The scary part is that the power centralization already has reached the point, where it is impossible to change anything....360 degree surveillance state.... Shut up and sit in your little box in your 15 min city! The data center is to protect you! Don't ask don't wonder don't object - get to work
