Following a blue wave that put Democrats in control of the next Congress and demonstrated Americans’ discontent with the AI buildout, OpenAI is rolling out new commitments governing how it develops data centers.
The company behind ChatGPT announced Thursday that it will limit the controversial practice of using nondisclosure agreements with public officials and cover the electricity and energy infrastructure costs of future data centers it owns and operates.
The promises are part of OpenAI’s new National Community Compact, a framework outlining how the company plans to work with locals in places where it builds data centers. The framework also includes pledges to be more transparent about construction plans and noise levels, develop water-use plans tailored to each community, and invest in local services such as childcare, education, healthcare, and transportation.
OpenAI’s new commitments come just two days after Tuesday’s midterm elections, in which data centers were a major political issue. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Republicans, particularly President Donald Trump, have largely embraced AI, arguing that the technology is critical to the economy and national security, especially as the U.S. competes with China. Democrats, meanwhile, have, to a limited extent, pushed for tougher AI regulations, with some calling for a pause on new data center construction.
But Tuesday’s results dealt a major blow to the AI industry. Democrats took control of both the House and Senate, despite Elon Musk spending hundreds of millions of dollars to help elect Republicans. His efforts included backing candidates in his home state of Texas, where Democrat James Talarico defeated Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
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