More than 15 US political candidates have signed the AI Pact, a five-point pledge calling for stronger regulation of artificial intelligence and data centres. It reflects growing voter concern about data centres’ environmental effects, opaque development deals and the influence of large technology companies, while allowing candidates to support projects that may create jobs.

The pact includes mandatory AI safety reviews, an AI dividend for workers and legal rights to sue over AI-related harm, alongside policies against data-centre tax breaks, backroom deals and excessive energy use. Most signatories are Democrats, though Nebraska independent candidate Dan Osborn has also signed; the pledge stops short of demanding a full moratorium, even as some governors, including Texas’s Greg Abbott, have moved to restrict development temporarily.