Amazon Web Services ends data center NDAs
Amazon Web Services announced it will stop using nondisclosure agreements with local government agencies involved in its data center projects. The company says it will instead provide public disclosures, including annual information on energy use, water use, efficiency and carbon-free energy. The announcement follows South Bend Mayor James Mueller’s executive orders restricting city officials from signing data center NDAs.
Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman announced that the company will no longer use nondisclosure agreements with government agencies involved in its data center projects. Amazon said it plans to increase transparency through public open houses and annual disclosures covering energy use, water use, efficiency and the share of carbon-free energy used by its facilities.
The announcement came shortly after South Bend Mayor James Mueller issued executive orders barring city officials from signing data center NDAs. The orders followed an admission by South Bend Executive Director of Public Works Erik Horvath that he signed an NDA with Amazon Web Services in 2023. The policy is being closely watched in St. Joseph County, home to one of the world’s largest AI data centers.