MediaJustice brings AI governance fight to Oakland with screening of ‘Ghost in the Machine’
Oakland City Councilmember Carroll Fife introduced a proposed 45-day moratorium on data center approvals to examine environmental, noise and utility impacts. The proposal comes amid community opposition and “No Data Center” campaigns, with a City Council vote expected soon.
A panel and documentary screening organized by MediaJustice in Oakland focused on community control over artificial intelligence and the local effects of technology expansion. The discussion highlighted a proposed downtown data center and concerns about how new facilities could affect land use, power grids, water resources and municipal services.
Oakland City Councilmember Carroll Fife has introduced a 45-day moratorium on data center approvals while the city studies those impacts. Community groups have launched “No Data Center” campaigns, and the City Council was expected to vote on the proposal Tuesday. MediaJustice Executive Director Steven Renderos said the pause could give residents time to weigh the city’s economic development priorities and the long-term community benefits of data center projects.