# Amazon to drop NDAs in data‑center negotiations with local governments

> Amazon says it will no longer use nondisclosure agreements when striking data‑center deals, following Microsoft’s similar policy earlier this year.

Oossa · 2026-10-09 · https://oossa.com/en/amazon-to-drop-ndas-in-data-center-negotiations-with-local-governments

Amazon announced that it will stop requiring nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) in negotiations for new data‑center projects with city and state officials. The move mirrors a policy change Microsoft made earlier in 2026. Amazon says the shift is meant to make the deal‑making process more transparent and to address community backlash against AI‑related infrastructure.

## Why the change matters

Local groups have pushed back on secretive data‑center deals, fearing that AI hardware could be built without public oversight. By removing NDAs, Amazon hopes to give residents clearer insight into where and how AI servers are placed. The company has not detailed how the new policy will affect the timing or cost of projects.

## Industry reaction

The announcement was discussed on TechCrunch’s Equity podcast, where hosts noted that trust may become the most valuable asset for personal‑AI startups that need deep access to users’ data. They also pointed out that hundreds of moratoriums on AI infrastructure have been proposed or enacted in cities from New York to San Francisco, showing the pressure on big tech to be more open.

## The facts

- Amazon will stop using NDAs in data‑center negotiations, as stated in an Oct 9 2026 TechCrunch interview.
- Microsoft made a similar policy change earlier in 2026, prompting Amazon to follow suit.
- Community opposition has led to hundreds of AI‑infrastructure moratoriums in U.S. cities, including New York and San Francisco.
- The policy change was announced during TechCrunch’s Equity podcast episode featuring Anthony Ha, Sean O’Kane, and Rebecca Bellan.

## Why it matters

For residents, the new policy could mean more public information about where AI servers are built in their neighborhoods. It may also set a precedent for other tech firms to negotiate more openly, though it remains unclear how quickly projects will move forward under the new rules.

## Sources & references

1. [Amazon and others are done keeping data center deals secret. Is it enough to build trust?](https://techcrunch.com/video/amazon-and-others-are-done-keeping-data-center-deals-secret-is-it-enough-to-build-trust/) – TechCrunch, 2026-10-09
2. [Amazon drops data center NDAs, and AI agents want your credit card](https://techcrunch.com/podcast/amazon-drops-data-center-ndas-and-ai-agents-want-your-credit-card/) – TechCrunch, 2026-10-09

Last updated: 2026-10-09