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Astra Taylor on AI Data Center Resistance & Fighting "Billionaire Big Tech Agenda"

2026-05-13 News & Politics
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Support our work: https://democracynow.org/donate/sm-desc-yt As the "supercharged" construction of new data centers to power artificial intelligence blankets the country, a growing resistance movement to these massive corporate projects amid a lack of public oversight is not far behind. As organizer Astra Taylor explains, local fights across the country are leveraging this "industry chokepoint" to force important questions, from the distribution of land, water and energy resources to democratic governance over an industry currently driven by a "billionaire Big Tech agenda." While AI boosters frame the technology as inevitable, Taylor says, "I think that many people are more skeptical than that. … That's part of what it means to have democratic governance over AI, to say, 'No, we don't need this technology to take over every facet of our existence.'" Democracy Now! is an independent global news hour that airs on over 1,500 TV and radio stations Monday through Friday. Watch our livestream at democracynow.org Mondays to Fridays 8-9 a.m. ET. Subscribe to our Daily Email Digest: https://democracynow.org/subscribe

Top Comments (10)

@DoorsOfPerceptionPDM 2026-05-13

Down with the Epstein class! Stop billionaires messing with our democracies around the world!

66 15 replies
@akelpack 2026-05-13

I live in Utah. The data center deal was done behind closed doors and presented as a fait accompli. Our leaders have failed us, again. Utah citizens are protesting. We are being told we have no say in this monstrosity that will destroy our environment and use precious water during an unprecedented drought that has been going on for years.

60 10 replies
@sandrastjohn-qr5tc 2026-05-13

Why is Arizona approving AI data centers that will bring higher temperatures use water that we don’t have increase costs for everyone living here and polluting our environment. What will be the benefits to the people of Arizona? Will people actually be able to live here? It was 101° in Tucson yesterday.

59 19 replies
@Bodjef51 2026-05-13

These AI owners are mostly end of times guys who don’t care how it affects those around them . Musk is a prime example .

52 6 replies
@MarkJones-x6o 2026-05-13

Our city, state and federal government have gone rogue. Time to set examples of these people.

39 5 replies
@Rippypoo 2026-05-13

Thanks, Amy and team.

32 2 replies
@ubiased23 2026-05-13

The United States of America it is in a fast decline for several reasons. 1. Data centers consume a huge amount of resources such as water, and electricity. The costs to run these data centers will be pushed on the residents. 2. Lack of green energy and cutting funds from the scientific boards. 3. No nationalized healthcare due to the pharmaceutical and health insurance lobby. 4. The working class is taxed while the billionaires pay less taxes. 5. The constant war campaigns against foreign countries. 6. Lack of infrastructure due to tax payers' money being sent to Israel. 7. Corrupt politicians who no longer will represent the need of the american people. 8. Many americans are leaving because of the high costs of living and lack benefits.

31 9 replies
@stevemarriott2788 2026-05-13

Solyent Green on a different level.

28 5 replies
@katelangworthy8698 2026-05-13

If Holly Buck thinks we shouldn't limit AI centers, then let's put the one next to her residence. I'm sure once the plans are put to the public she'll change her tune the very next day! Moratorium on AI centers NOW and ban until they become environmentally harmless and sound level neutral.

11 1 replies
@aliciamasonmiller3446 2026-05-14

There is no sustainability for these data centers. Most importantly, we DON’T NEED OR WANT AI. WE KNOW HOW TO READ AND WRITE AND DON’T WANT A MACHINE TO COMPOSE OR SUMMARIZE EMAILS, MAKE SILLY CARTOONS, ETC. WE WANT TO USE OUR BRAINS!!

7

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