{
  "id": 3764704,
  "title": "Many talks between data center developers and local governments are wrapped in secrecy behind non-disclosure agreements — residents question the need for NDAs, but developers argue it’s important to avoid ‘running afoul of insider trading rules’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/many-talks-between-data-center-developers-and-local-governments-are",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-27T15:06:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tom's Hardware",
    "slug": "tom-s-hardware",
    "url": "https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/data-centers/many-talks-between-data-center-developers-and-local-governments-are-under-nda-residents-question-the-needs-for-secrecy-but-developer-argues-its-important-to-avoid-running-afoul-of-insider-trading-rules"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Research from the University of Mary Washington in Virginia revealed that out of the 31 localities with data center projects, 25 have non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that hinder public access to information. This has left residents feeling excluded from the decision-making process and eroding trust in their leaders. A report by NPR highlighted the lack of transparency caused by these NDAs and their negative impact on residents' perception of local government.\n\nWhile some officials defended the use of NDAs, arguing they are standard practice in the tech industry and crucial for securing data center projects, Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois emphasized that NDAs are essential for economic development. She claimed that NDAs allow the state to compete with other regions for these projects and ensure that sensitive information remains confidential. Bourgeois asserted that NDAs do not aim to hide information but rather to foster more open communication.\n\nThe controversy surrounding NDAs extends beyond Louisiana, as other U.S. towns have also signed these agreements before engaging in talks with potential data center developers. Wisconsin residents expressed similar concerns in early 2026 when at least four municipalities signed NDAs with tech giants Microsoft and Meta during negotiations. The debate between elected officials and citizens centers on the perceived betrayal and lack of transparency when data centers are eventually announced in their communities.\n\nHowever, West Feliciana Parish demonstrated an alternative approach by securing a data center deal without relying on NDAs. Parish President Kenny Havard argued that economic development should not be hindered by confidentiality agreements unless proprietary information is being shared. He emphasized that transparency is crucial and highlighted West Feliciana Parish's success in attracting a data center without signing NDAs, suggesting that open communication can lead to positive economic outcomes.",
  "summary": "Researchers discovered that most negotiations between data centers and local governments are protected by NDAs. These documents keep details in secret, with residents having a difficult time finding information about these projects because of the agreements.",
  "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."
}