Meta has continued its PR blitz in support of its artificial intelligence push. On Oct. 8, the company published a new overview of data center myths as it works to counter negative sentiment around its massive infrastructure developments.
In order to fuel its AI push, Meta needs to process increasing amounts of user data, which is why the company is spending hundreds of billions of dollars to build new data centers across the U.S.
But the impacts on regions where these projects are being developed have been significant.
Some regions have reported water contamination and impacted utilities, as well as damage to local infrastructure. Indeed, Time Magazine reported in July that only a third of Americans approve of the pace of data center development. Meanwhile, more than 300 cities, towns and counties have enacted bans or moratoriums on the construction of hyperscale data centers.
Meta knows that this backlash could derail its AI push, which is why it’s been working to counter the negative reports about data center impacts with explainers from its own team about the main concerns with data center developments.
In this latest iteration, creator Tom Shaw addressed three myths about data center development:
- Regarding concerns about excess water usage and limiting water resources for local residents, Shaw said water usage for cooling Meta’s data centers is “permitted, metered, and counted in the local water plan, not carved out of it.” Shaw also said that many of Meta’s data center facilities use less water annually than an average U.S. golf course does in the same amount of time.
- On power usage, Shaw said that Meta works with utility companies years before data center work begins in order to ensure that any new infrastructure is built and installed ahead of time with no impact to local supply.
- Shaw also said that Meta’s data center developments create jobs in both the construction phase, and in the ongoing management phase. Shaw added that this often means Meta becomes the biggest employer in regions where data centers are installed.
Meta is hoping that by addressing these concerns it can lessen community opposition and ensure that it can continue to build its massive data centers without facing negative public sentiment.
Data center concerns have become a political issue, with some candidates using their support of, or opposition to, data centers in order to win support.
U.S. President Donald Trump, however, has made his stance on data center development clear.
As reported by ABC News, last month Trump said in a social media post: "The only reason that communities throughout the U.S.A. should not want Data Centers is if they want to end up being backwards and poor. If they want to be successful and rich, with far lower taxes and jobs all over the place, let Data Reign."
Yet, even with the president’s backing, Meta knows the negative impacts of its developments could have longer-term impacts for its business, which is why the company is working hard to counter concerns.
