Technology
Public backlash builds against AI data centers, social media, and surveillance technology ahead of US midterms
Growing concern over automated tools, environmental impacts, and youth online safety is fueling legal settlements and political debate across the country.
The short version
- Public skepticism toward technology companies is expanding across multiple fronts, including artificial intelligence, physical data center construction, social media platforms, and municipal surveillance systems.
- Community opposition stalled or halted an estimated $130 billion in planned data center developments during the first quarter of the year, according to Data Center Watch.
- Meta resolved a lawsuit with state attorneys general for up to $17 billion over child safety allegations, while more than 90 local governments ended or rejected contracts with surveillance provider Flock Safety.
- Candidates from both major political parties are incorporating technology regulation and infrastructure concerns into their midterm election campaigns.
Key facts
- A Pew Research Center report found that more than half of Americans now express more concern than excitement regarding the integration of AI into daily life, up from 37% in 2021.[CNBC]
- Meta agreed to pay up to $17 billion and implement product modifications—such as default daily time limits for teenage users—to settle claims brought by state attorneys general alleging its platforms harmed children.[CNBC]
- Data Center Watch recorded approximately $130 billion worth of data center projects blocked or delayed by local opposition in the first quarter of the year.[CNBC]
- More than 90 municipalities have ended, suspended, or rejected contracts with automated license plate reader vendor Flock Safety so far this year, according to tracking by advocacy organization DeFlock.[CNBC]