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European groups plan protests calling for pause on large datacentre projects
More than 100 campaign groups in 15 European countries are organising protests on 6 and 7 November, calling for a pause on new large-scale datacentre projects. They say rapid expansion risks harming communities and the environment, and that decisions are being made without sufficient public scrutiny.
Planned events include demonstrations, public meetings and creative activities. In the UK, campaigners will gather in London and Devon to highlight proposed projects, including a 1.5 GW campus on 850 acres of farmland near Great Torrington. The groups want a moratorium until governments establish clear rules and meaningful public participation; the UK government, which sees datacentres as part of its AI-led growth plans, has backed expansion.
In short
- More than 100 groups plan coordinated European protests on 6 and 7 November.
- Campaigners want a moratorium on large datacentre projects.
- Their concerns include land, water and energy use, and public scrutiny.
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The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of a pause argue that datacentres can place heavy demands on land, energy and water, while bringing lasting changes to nearby communities. They say a temporary moratorium would give governments time to set clear environmental and planning rules and ensure the public can scrutinise proposals before they are approved.
The case against
Opponents of a pause argue that datacentres are important infrastructure for AI and other digital services, and that delaying projects could constrain investment and economic growth. They may favour managing impacts through planning rules and safeguards while allowing projects to proceed, rather than imposing a broad halt.
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Originally published by The Register as “‘Stop dirty datacenters’: Europe-wide protests planned demanding building moratorium”.