Data center protesters break into Microsoft site in Amsterdam

More than 100 protesters entered a Microsoft data centre construction site in Amsterdam on Friday, climbing cranes and hanging balloons to oppose the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure. The action began two days of planned protests across 16 countries, as campaigners called for a pause in major projects, citing pressure on resources and climate goals.

The site owner, Pure Data Centres, plans to invest more than $1 billion (€890 million) in the project and urged protesters to leave safely. Microsoft said it supports peaceful expression but does not condone unlawful actions. The campaign coalition is seeking clearer rules before further large-scale construction, while technology companies say data centres are essential for AI and cloud services; about 200 are planned, being built or operating in the Netherlands.