Data center protesters break into Microsoft site in Amsterdam

Protesters broke into the construction site of a Microsoft  data center in Amsterdam on Friday, climbing cranes and hanging balloons while police stood by.

The action opened two days of planned protests in 16 countries, with campaigners demanding a pause in major artificial intelligence data center construction over concerns about electricity, water and environmental damage.

What happened in Amsterdam?

More than 100 activists gathered at the site, marching arm in arm before entering. Some danced or carried placards reading: "Screw your data center."

"These data centers are destroying our world. It's becoming uninhabitable because of all the resources they consume. That's why we're here today," protester Sam van der Beek said.

Site owner Pure Data Centres, which plans to invest more than $1 billion (€890 million) in the project, urged protesters to leave safely and discuss their concerns.

Microsoft said it respected people's right to express their views peacefully but did not condone unlawful actions.

The Stop Dirty Data Centres coalition said other planned actions included a march in Dublin, a protest outside Poland's parliament and a demonstration against another Microsoft data center in Denmark.

Why are campaigners opposing data centers?

Campaigners say the facilities strain electricity and water supplies, compete with housing and other businesses for resources and threaten climate goals.

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They also raise concerns about job losses and the concentration of power in technology companies.

The coalition said it was not calling for existing data centers to close. It wants governments to establish clearer rules before further large-scale construction proceeds.

Technology companies argue that data centers provide essential infrastructure for AI and cloud services used by businesses, governments and consumers.

The dispute comes amid growing scrutiny of the industry's expansion. A Google project in Finland faces a criminal investigation over land clearances, while Italy and Portugal are tightening environmental rules for data centers.

The Netherlands has about 200 data centers planned, under construction or operating.