Activists occupy Microsoft data-center construction site in Amsterdam

The Associated Press reported that protesters broke into the Microsoft data-center construction site on Friday.[1] Al Jazeera reported that more than 100 activists took part, while Geef Tegengas said several hundred people had joined the occupation.[3][4] The campaign group also said hundreds of supporters were blocking work at the site.[2] Protesters displayed banners criticizing Microsoft and AI, including messages accusing the company of supporting genocide.[2] A speaker said the group opposed Amsterdam being used to create AI slop and facilitate genocide.[2]

The project calls for three data-center towers about 85 meters tall, with Microsoft as the sole tenant.[2] British developer Pure Data Centres is building them.[2] Amsterdam’s plan to restrict new data centers followed a project plan dating back to 2016, and the developer secured exemptions to proceed despite a city moratorium through 2030.[2] The group had occupied the construction area in June, temporarily halting work.[2] These details make the project’s scale and approval history central context for understanding why the site has drawn repeated protest.

An officer was slightly injured during the protest, and one person was arrested on suspicion of obstructing construction work.[5][4] Microsoft said it respects peaceful protest but does not condone unlawful actions or conduct that endangers public safety.[4] The company also said its first concern was the wellbeing of everyone at and around the site.[5] A two-day series of coordinated protests across 16 countries began against the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure.[3] Stop Dirty Data Centres said it had not coordinated or promoted the direct action in the Netherlands.[5] A representative said communities across Europe were being shut out of decisions affecting their local environments and futures.[5]