Protesters Enter Microsoft Data Center Site in Amsterdam

Protesters entered the construction site for a planned Microsoft data center on the outskirts of Amsterdam on November 6. Some climbed a crane and displayed banners opposing AI and Microsoft, while flares were also set off. A separate demonstration took place across the road in support of the action.

The protest was organized by Geef Tegengas, which said hundreds of its supporters were blocking construction. The collective has previously targeted the site: demonstrators took over the work zone in June and halted activity for a time.

A spokesperson for the group said it opposed the use of Amsterdam for AI development and accused the project of consuming drinking water for the benefit of wealthy people. Protesters also displayed a banner linking Microsoft to genocide and chanted for the company to leave and for Palestinian freedom.

The project involves three planned 85-meter towers, with Microsoft as the sole tenant. British company Pure Data Centres is developing the site, and plans predated Amsterdam’s ban on new data centers through 2030. The project has proceeded despite the ban by navigating loopholes.

Dutch journalist Tom Olthof said police feared chemicals might be used to damage the site. As of November 6, authorities had not begun clearing the site. Microsoft had not immediately responded to a request for comment.

Amsterdam Protest Targets Microsoft’s AI Data Center

About 100 protesters entered the construction site for Microsoft’s planned data center on the outskirts of Amsterdam on November 6. Some climbed a crane, displayed anti-AI banners and set off flares, while a separate demonstration across the road supported the action.

Dutch activist collective Geef Tegengas organized the protest and said hundreds of supporters were blocking construction. A spokesperson said the group would not accept the city being used for AI development and accused the project of consuming drinking water to enrich the wealthy. Protesters also displayed a banner accusing Microsoft of powering genocide and chanted in support of Palestinian freedom.

The project consists of three planned 85-meter towers and is being developed by British firm Pure Data Centres for Microsoft, its sole tenant. Amsterdam barred new data centers through 2030, but this project was planned before the ban and has proceeded through loopholes. That a large facility can continue despite the city’s restrictions underscores the stakes for residents concerned about the local costs of AI infrastructure.

Police feared possible damage to the site using chemicals, and had not begun clearing it at the time described. Microsoft had not immediately responded to a request for comment.

Protesters Trespass at Microsoft Data Center Construction Site

About 100 protesters entered the construction site for a planned Microsoft data center on the outskirts of Amsterdam on November 6. Some climbed a crane and unfurled banners opposing AI and Microsoft, while flares were set off and supporters demonstrated across the road.

The Dutch activist collective Geef Tegengas organized the action and said hundreds of supporters were blocking construction. The group says the project threatens drinking water and objects to AI development, while protesters displayed a banner accusing Microsoft of powering genocide. Their concerns do not change that the project was planned before Amsterdam’s ban on new data centers took effect.

The development comprises three planned 85-meter towers, with British firm Pure Data Centres developing the site for Microsoft as its sole tenant. Amsterdam’s ban runs through 2030, but the project has advanced by navigating loopholes. The protest also follows an earlier occupation of the construction area in June that temporarily halted work.

Police feared possible damage to the site using chemicals. Authorities had not begun clearing it at the time described, and Microsoft had not immediately responded to a request for comment.