{
  "id": 3707276,
  "title": "Sam Altman knows people hate data centers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/sam-altman-knows-people-hate-data-centers",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-27T08:47:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Insider",
    "slug": "business-insider",
    "url": "https://www.businessinsider.com/sam-altman-data-centers-unpopularity-views-2026-8"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has recognized the challenges the AI industry is currently experiencing. In a recent interview with Time Magazine, Altman stated that \"Clearly, people hate data centers—right now, at least.\" The US AI industry is facing significant headwinds, especially in data center construction. Altman does not need to see polls to know the unpopularity of his industry. His comments come as data centers have become a source of controversy, with local opposition and criticism from various quarters. Altman himself has previously expressed concerns about the backlash against the industry, including opposition to data center projects in different states. In March, he even described AI as \"not very popular in the US right now\" during a BlackRock event. Following an attack on his San Francisco mansion, Altman has also acknowledged that some criticism stems from genuine concerns about the technology's potential risks. Despite efforts to address concerns, such as water usage and power consumption, and community benefits, the criticism continues to mount. Recent developments include governors in Pennsylvania and Texas seeking to limit data center development in their states, citing a lack of collaboration with local governments. The situation is seen as a \"powder keg\" by investor Chamath Palihapitiya, who suggests that pushback and resistance may grow.",
  "summary": "\"Clearly, people hate data centers—right now, at least,\" OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}