AI groups say China fuels U.S. data‑center backlash
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- Pro‑AI groups say they have tracked “bot‑driven” social‑media posts from foreign accounts that criticize U.S. data‑center construction, attributing the activity to China and its proxies.
- Steve DelBianco, president and CEO of NetChoice, argues that American “AI anxiety” makes the public vulnerable to disinformation about data‑center projects.
- Elena Schlossberg, a Northern Virginia anti‑data‑center activist, claims the opposition is “organic” based on her direct conversations with communities across the country.
- Kevin O’Leary, investor backing Utah’s Stratos Project, accused China of spreading misinformation and announced he is scaling back the 40,000‑acre data‑center plan amid public pressure.
- Gallup poll in May found that 71 % of Americans oppose the construction of data centers in their neighborhoods, reflecting widespread local concerns.
- Chuck Flint, executive director of the Coalition for Affordability & Prosperity, asked congressional intelligence committee chairs to investigate foreign interference aimed at “decelerating” data‑center construction.
- Jason Smith, House Ways & Means Committee Chairman, has accused U.S.-based nonprofits of taking money from China and fomenting anti‑data‑center sentiment.
Why it matters: If the alleged foreign‑driven disinformation succeeds, AI firms face delayed or blocked data‑center construction, raising costs and slowing the U.S. AI boom, while communities see their concerns amplified, investors like Kevin O’Leary scale back projects such as Utah’s Stratos campus, and congressional committees are urged to probe foreign interference.
