Microsoft has declared it will terminate all active non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) globally as part of a new commitment to transparency with communities where it plans to establish data centers. The company aims to foster public trust and engagement by moving away from its previous reliance on secrecy in the development of new facilities.
Rima Alaily, who leads Microsoft’s infrastructure legal affairs team, noted that while NDAs will still be utilized for private transactions related to land acquisition and protection of trade secrets, their use will no longer be standard practice. This announcement follows growing concerns from residents about the impacts of data centers on local resources, including electricity and water supply.
In January, Microsoft initiated a “community first” strategy to address these concerns, committing to cover its full power expenses, avoid local property tax incentives, and implement programs to benefit local workers and education. The company had previously encountered backlash in Washington state, where it actively opposed legislation aimed at enhancing data center transparency.