US Fears Surge in Protests Against AI Data Centers and 'Anti-Tech Extremism'

US authorities are expressing concern over the rising protest sentiment against artificial intelligence infrastructure development. According to leaked documents, intelligence agencies are assessing the potential for conflicts around AI data center construction to escalate into civil unrest. Specifically, the FBI’s New York division has warned of risks of mass protests in major cities, including New York, where tensions around tech projects are already mounting.

Reports also highlight potential threats from foreign governments, criminal groups, and extremist organizations, which could exploit data center vulnerabilities for cyberattacks or illegal cryptocurrency mining. Authorities emphasize the strategic importance of these facilities to the US economy, yet local residents increasingly oppose their construction due to rising electricity costs, water resource depletion, and noise pollution.

Experts criticize the intelligence agencies’ approach, noting that even peaceful protests could be classified as 'extremism.' Spencer Reynolds, an attorney at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, stated that such reports often rely on biased assessments and may justify surveillance of citizens. He argued that many actions listed in the documents fall within lawful expressions of public dissent.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that 70% of Americans oppose AI data center construction near their homes. Protests have already led to arrests at public hearings, raising concerns about restrictions on free speech in the context of technological advancement.