Amazon Drops Secrecy Agreements For Data Centers

CALIFORNIA — Amazon announced Friday that the tech giant will stop using nondisclosure agreements with government agencies to hush public information about data center projects in exchange for more than $1 billion in communities hosting its server farms.

Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman announced the changes in a company post defending data center expansion.

He said that proposed moratoriums could undermine U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence.

The company’s “Built Together” program will give money to communities that allow data centers for community college access, workforce training, energy efficiency upgrades, and local priorities.

Amazon estimates it will connect more than 300,000 students to free degree access over five years by covering costs remaining after financial aid.

The program also targets efficiency upgrades for more than 30,000 homes and 300 schools and community buildings.

Amazon pledged annual public reporting on energy consumption, water use, efficiency, and carbon-free energy.

Amazon will cover power and infrastructure costs associated with its facilities and sharing project plans as early as possible, according to the post.