Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman says the company has ended the use of nondisclosure agreements with government agencies involved in approvals for new data center projects.
The policy shift is designed to support greater openness as communities and public institutions assess the growth of digital infrastructure. Data centers are becoming increasingly important for cloud computing, artificial intelligence and the services that power modern businesses and daily life.
Greater transparency for digital infrastructure
Amazon says it wants to work more closely with local communities while explaining the potential economic and technological value of its facilities. According to the company, it has contributed more than $1 billion over the past three years to US communities where it has a significant data center presence.
Garman also highlighted Amazon's view that data centers can help accelerate investment in energy systems, digital skills and regional development. The company says its facilities are designed with efficiency initiatives that address electricity and water management.
On water use, Amazon notes that direct data center consumption represents a small share of US industrial water use, while ongoing innovation across the sector is focused on making cooling systems more efficient. The company also argues that infrastructure planning should expand alongside rising demand for cloud and AI services.
The move away from NDAs could give communities earlier visibility into proposed projects and encourage more informed discussions between technology companies, public agencies and residents.
As demand for AI and cloud services grows, more transparent planning models may help data centers become a more collaborative part of the future digital economy.
