Facing data center backlash, tech giants promise host communities more money and fewer secrets

Amazon, Google, Meta and Microsoft are dropping nondisclosure agreements with local officials and pledging bigger payouts to towns that host their data centers, as opposition to the facilities becomes a midterm election issue, the AP reports. Amazon and Meta have each committed $1 billion in community incentives, Google says its local programs will reach $1 billion by the end of 2027, and President Trump has urged companies to pay host communities a 'dividend'.