Activists across Europe prepare two days of protests against datacentres

More than 100 campaign groups will join together in 15 countries this week to call for a halt to major AI projects

Protesters across Europe are planning two days of action against datacentres this week with demonstrations taking place in 15 countries.

More than 100 groups are joining together for the “Stop Dirty Data Centres” events on Friday and Saturday. They are calling for a moratorium on large projects, citing environmental and social costs that “we can no longer afford”.

Datacentres have become a lightning rod for concerns over artificial intelligence, given their role in developing and operating the cutting-edge technology. In the US midterm elections this week, opponents of datacentres were among the biggest winners for the Democrats.