Demonstrators Force Entry Into Microsoft Data Center Site in Amsterdam: Reports
Authorities in the Netherlands detained between 150 and 200 individuals for unlawful entry during the demonstration.
A group of demonstrators allegedly forced their way into a construction site in Amsterdam where a Microsoft data center is being built, leading to confrontations with law enforcement officers.
Law enforcement officials in the Netherlands reported that between 150-200 individuals were taken into custody for unauthorized entry onto the property.
According to a report from the Associated Press published on Friday, one participant in the protest informed a local broadcasting station that their goal was to halt the construction activities at the data center facility.
The report further noted that Microsoft had been informed about the demonstration and issued a statement through a company spokesperson: "We understand that people feel strongly about the project, and we respect their right to express those views peacefully," they said. "However, we do not condone any actions that are unlawful or that put people's safety at risk."
According to AP's reporting, stricter regulatory oversight in the US is anticipated following the recent midterm elections, during which numerous Democrats campaigned on promises to impose restrictions on data centers, which consume substantial quantities of electricity and water.
In September, Cointelegraph reported that the town of Plattsburgh, New York, held a public hearing to discuss a temporary land use moratorium for operations including AI data centers and crypto mining.