# How Luddites can learn to love data centres

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/how-luddites-can-learn-to-love-data-centres/
- Published: 2026-11-11T05:59:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-11T06:39:57+00:00
- Original publisher: City AM (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.cityam.com/how-luddites-can-learn-to-love-data-centres/
- Topics: AI, Americas, Business, Elections, Politics, Technology, World

## Key points

- 44 of 45 US local data-centre proposals were rejected.
- Data centres bring few permanent local jobs.
- Shared investment could help communities benefit from AI.

## Summary

The article argues that opposition to AI and data centres reflects real concerns about jobs and local benefits, rather than simple resistance to change. It says communities could be more willing to accept data-centre projects if technology companies share some of the gains and help people prepare for the economic transition.

The article cites 44 rejections among 45 US local referendums on data centres, alongside protests in Europe, including damage at a Microsoft construction site in Amsterdam. It notes that data centres create construction work but relatively few permanent local jobs. Drawing on a Brookings report and examples of publicly funded oil-revenue schemes, it suggests using AI-related deals to support childcare, local education and technology skills, computing access, research and start-ups.

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.