Data center protesters break into Microsoft site in Amsterdam

Protesters are demanding a pause in data center construction in Europe. Campaigners planning protests in 16 countries say the AI building boom threatens water supplies, power grids and climate goals. Protesters broke into the construction site of a Microsoft data center in Amsterdam on Friday, climbing cranes and hanging balloons while police stood by.

The action opened two days of planned protests in 16 countries, with campaigners demanding a pause in major artificial intelligence data center construction over concerns about electricity, water and environmental damage. More than 100 activists gathered at the site, marching arm in arm before entering. Some danced or carried placards reading: "Screw your data center." "These data centers are destroying our world.

It's becoming uninhabitable because of all the resources they consume. That's why we're here today," protester Sam van der Beek said. Site owner Pure Data Centres, which plans to invest more than $1 billion (€890 million) in the project, urged protesters to leave safely and discuss their concerns.