Activists occupy Microsoft data centre site in Amsterdam
About 100 demonstrators entered a Microsoft data centre construction site in Amsterdam's Sloterdijk district on 6 Nov, using ladders to cross the fence, and some climbed a crane. Protesters from Geef Tegengas and Fossielvrij NL opposed the project, developed by Pure Data Centres for Microsoft, which involves three towers about 85 metres high and costs over $1 billion. Police surrounded the group and riot officers later intervened; one estimate from ANP puts arrests at 150 to 200. Construction was halted for the day, and Microsoft said it respects peaceful protest but does not condone unlawful actions.
Key facts
- Protesters said the facility could support AI-powered warfare and Israel's military operations in Gaza.
- Nathan Timmer of Geef Tegengas said the occupation aimed to stop construction.
- Protesters plan a gathering at 14:00 outside a Microsoft data centre in Lille Skensved near Køge on 7 Nov.
- Henrik Hansen, director of Datacenter Industrien, says the industry must improve dialogue with local residents.
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Why it matters
The protest is part of a multi-country campaign seeking a moratorium on large-scale data centre projects.
What changed
First published from CNA, The Times of India, The Verge, Euronews and Africanews