OpenAI is proposing the term “compute campuses” instead of “data centers” for the computing infrastructure it is building. A company spokesperson confirmed the plan to Business Insider, saying the new wording better captures the scale and purpose of facilities designed to support artificial intelligence.
The spokesperson described the projects as long-term investments in computing, energy infrastructure and skilled jobs. OpenAI also wants communities hosting the facilities to help shape them and share in the opportunities they create.
The proposed name comes as data centers face mounting public opposition in the United States. Residents near proposed sites have raised concerns about noise, pollution, water use, higher electricity bills and falling home values. A Pew Research poll cited by Business Insider found that 54% of Americans believe AI data centers harm the environment. A survey released in May found that Americans were more opposed to a data center in their neighborhood than to a nuclear power plant.
Some technology companies, including Meta, Amazon and Microsoft, have pledged millions of dollars to communities and schools near their data centers. Other efforts to win support have had limited success. In Pennsylvania, NorthPoint Development offered $10,000 to each household in Hazle Township, but only if the project’s first building was approved; many residents continued to oppose the plan.
In October, President Donald Trump, who has supported building data center infrastructure, said companies should pay communities a “dividend” to gain public backing. In September, he signed an executive order requiring federal agencies to use the term “superintelligence” instead of “artificial intelligence.”
Sources: Pplware.