06-11-2026
About 100 demonstrators entered a data centre construction site in Amsterdam’s Sloterdijk district, though organisers said several hundred people had participated. Activists climbed ladders to get over the perimeter fence and cut an opening for others to enter. Some climbed a construction crane and displayed a banner reading “Fuck AI”; other protesters waved Palestinian flags and held signs accusing Microsoft of supporting genocide. Police surrounded the demonstrators, and the mayor ordered the protest to end. Riot officers then intervened, with several arrests reported.
The action was organised by Dutch activist collective Geef Tegengas, alongside a separate mobilisation by environmental campaign group Fossielvrij NL. Campaigners object to the project because of its anticipated electricity use, its potential effect on housing plans, and concerns about Microsoft’s activities. The development is being built by Pure Data Centres for Microsoft and consists of three towers about 85 metres high, with investment exceeding $1 billion.
Protesters say the facilities could use as much electricity as all households in Amsterdam combined; the article notes that this claim has not been independently established. The demonstration was part of an international campaign against large-scale data centres, with protests planned in several European countries. Pure Data Centres and Microsoft said they respected peaceful protest while urging demonstrators not to engage in unlawful actions.
Entities: Amsterdam, Sloterdijk, Geef Tegengas, Fossielvrij NL, Pure Data Centres • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
06-11-2026
More than 100 activists entered a Microsoft data center construction site in Amsterdam on Friday, climbing cranes, hanging balloons and carrying placards. The action launched two days of planned demonstrations in 16 countries against the rapid expansion of large artificial-intelligence data centers. Protesters say the facilities consume substantial amounts of electricity and water, put pressure on resources also needed for housing and other businesses, and could undermine climate goals. They also worry about job losses and the growing power of major technology companies. Protester Sam van der Beek said data centers are consuming resources to such an extent that the world is becoming uninhabitable. The project’s owner, Pure Data Centres, said it wanted protesters to leave safely and offered to discuss their concerns. Microsoft said it respects peaceful expression but does not condone unlawful actions. The Stop Dirty Data Centres coalition said planned demonstrations included actions in Dublin, outside Poland’s parliament and at another Microsoft data center in Denmark, with further events across Europe on Saturday. The coalition is not calling for existing facilities to close; instead, it wants governments to set clearer rules before allowing more large-scale construction. Technology companies, by contrast, describe data centers as essential infrastructure for AI and cloud services used by businesses, governments and consumers. The protests come amid increasing scrutiny of the sector: a Google project in Finland faces a criminal investigation related to land clearances, while Italy and Portugal are tightening environmental rules. The Netherlands has about 200 data centers planned, under construction or already operating.
Entities: Amsterdam, Microsoft, Pure Data Centres, Stop Dirty Data Centres coalition, Sam van der Beek • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
06-11-2026
More than 100 activists entered a Microsoft AI data-centre construction site in Amsterdam on Nov 6, beginning two days of coordinated protests against the rapid expansion of computing infrastructure for artificial intelligence. Protesters marched together, climbed cranes, hung balloons and danced as police watched. The demonstrations are part of actions announced in 16 countries by the Stop Dirty Data Centres coalition, which brings together environmental and digital-rights groups and is calling for a pause on large-scale construction until governments establish clearer rules.
The site’s owner, Pure Data Centres, said it was committed to engaging with local stakeholders and asked protesters to leave safely and discuss their concerns. Microsoft said it respected peaceful expression but did not condone unlawful actions. Planned protests elsewhere included a march in Dublin, a demonstration outside Poland’s Parliament in Warsaw and a protest at another Microsoft data centre in Denmark.
Campaigners argue that data centres strain electricity and water supplies, compete for scarce resources, threaten climate targets and may contribute to job losses and security risks as power becomes concentrated in large technology companies. Technology firms counter that data centres are essential infrastructure for AI and cloud computing, serving businesses, governments and consumers. The coalition says it is not against progress or existing facilities, but wants new major construction paused pending stronger rules.
The dispute reflects Europe’s effort to expand its AI capacity while maintaining public protections. EU technology chief Henna Virkkunen said Europe needs more data centres and its own AI capacity, while emphasizing that development should not cause soaring energy bills, power cuts or environmental damage. The article also cites a criminal probe into land clearances for a Google project in Finland, tighter environmental rules in Italy and Portugal, and Microsoft’s withdrawal from a delayed UK project. The Netherlands has about 200 data centres planned, being built or operating.
Entities: Microsoft, Amsterdam, Stop Dirty Data Centres coalition, Pure Data Centres, Oaktree • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
