Amazon Ends NDAs for US Data Center Projects Amid Congressional Scrutiny

Amazon has announced that it will no longer require local and state government partners to sign nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) for its data center projects in the United States. This policy change, confirmed in late September 2026, comes at a time when the practices of major tech companies regarding transparency in construction projects are under scrutiny from Congress.

For years, NDAs have restricted town officials from discussing critical details about large construction projects, including the scale of facilities, utility consumption, and tax incentives. Critics have argued that such secrecy prevents residents from being informed about significant developments in their communities.

With the new policy, government officials will be able to openly discuss the size of Amazon's facilities and the incentives offered to attract them, fostering earlier community engagement in the decision-making process. This change is particularly relevant as Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland has initiated a congressional inquiry into the use of NDAs by Amazon, Google, and Meta, focusing on their implications for local governance and community debates.

Amazon's move follows a growing demand for data centers, driven largely by the needs of AI workloads. In March 2026, the company invested over $427 million in a 111-acre site in Ashburn, Virginia, to expand its data center operations. Historically, NDAs have kept residents in the dark about projects that significantly impact their communities.

As Amazon shifts its policy, attention will now turn to Google and Meta, which are also part of Raskin's inquiry. Local governments, particularly in areas like Loudoun County, will have the opportunity to share project details more transparently, potentially altering how residents engage with proposals before votes are cast.