Many talks between data center developers and local governments are wrapped in secrecy behind non-disclosure agreements — residents question the need for NDAs, but developers argue it’s important to avoid ‘running afoul of insider trading rules’

Meta data center.

Researchers from the University of Mary Washington in Virginia found that of the 31 localities with an existing, approved, or proposed data center, 25 of them have non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that make it difficult, if not impossible, for their citizens to find information about these projects. According to NPR, these NDAs have left the questions of many residents unanswered, making them feel left out of the decision process and increasing their distrust of their leaders.

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