Amsterdam Protesters Reportedly Break Into Microsoft Data Center Construction Site

Protesters reportedly broke into a construction site for a Microsoft data center in Amsterdam and clashed with police. According to Cointelegraph, Dutch authorities said they detained 150-200 people for trespassing. One protester told a local broadcaster that demonstrators were trying to stop construction of the data center, according to an Associated Press report on Friday. Microsoft said it was aware of the demonstration and responded through a spokesperson, who acknowledged that people feel strongly about the project and said the company respects their right to express their views peacefully. The spokesperson added that Microsoft does not condone unlawful actions or conduct that puts people’s safety at risk. The company’s statement addressed both the protesters’ opposition to the project and the risks associated with actions that could endanger people. The reported break-in and clashes occurred at the Amsterdam construction site, while authorities’ stated detentions were for trespassing. The AP report also noted that a tougher regulatory environment in the US is expected to follow the recent midterm elections. The elections saw a wave of Democrats promise to clamp down on data centers, which use large amounts of electricity and water. The report presented the expected regulatory shift as broader context for debate over data center construction and the resources these facilities consume. Cointelegraph reported in September that the town of Plattsburgh, New York, held a public hearing to discuss a temporary land use moratorium. The proposal covered operations including AI data centers and crypto mining. The Plattsburgh hearing involved discussion of a temporary restriction, while the Amsterdam incident involved protesters seeking to stop construction of a Microsoft data center. The reports describe opposition to data center projects in different locations and the concerns raised around the facilities, including their use of electricity and water.