Protesters in Manhattan Call for Limits on OpenAI and Data Center Development
About 100 protesters gathered outside OpenAI's Manhattan headquarters during Climate Week, citing environmental, economic and national-security concerns linked to AI and data centers. Protesters called for data center moratoriums and stronger government regulation, while the article also discusses OpenAI's government partnerships and related litigation.
About 100 people protested outside OpenAI's headquarters in Manhattan during Climate Week, arguing that the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence is creating environmental, economic and national-security risks. Speakers including Justin Maxwell of Communities United for Action and Jonathan Westin of Climate Defenders called for data center moratoriums and government regulation, citing the sector's electricity consumption and reliance on nonrenewable resources.
The article also examines OpenAI's government ties, including its work with Los Alamos National Laboratory and an agreement with the Department of Defense. It references concerns about potential federal ownership of OpenAI, donations by President Greg Brockman, and litigation involving ChatGPT and the family of a teenager who died by suicide. Protesters and other critics argued that the public should have greater control over AI development and its consequences.