Inside Big Tech’s Frantic Race to Quell the Growing Backlash to AI

In July, about 1,000 Georgia residents gathered at the Effingham County College & Career Academy to hear about what OpenAI could do for them.

A day earlier, the artificial-intelligence company had announced plans to build a new data center in the area near Savannah. The event was billed as an open house where concerned locals could get their questions answered.

On their way in, attendees filed past protesters holding signs that read “I didn’t vote for AI” and “You can’t drink data!!!” Inside, OpenAI employees staffed booths offering information about the planned data center. There were QR codes linking to a job board, along with posters showing what the facility might look like. There was a taco bar.

There was also richer fare on offer: In announcing the project, the company pledged to invest $80 million in the community and provide as much as $71 million in coding credits to local students.