Protesters break into Microsoft AI data center site in Amsterdam

More than 100 protesters broke into a Microsoft data center construction site in Amsterdam, climbing cranes and hanging balloons and banners, according to DW English and Al Jazeera English.

The action marked the beginning of two days of coordinated protests in 16 countries, with activists demanding a pause in the construction of major artificial intelligence data centers.

Campaigners expressed concerns that the rapid expansion of AI data centers threatens electricity and water supplies, strains resources, and harms climate goals, DW English reported.

The site owner, Pure Data Centres, which plans to invest over $1 billion in the project, urged protesters to leave safely and engage in dialogue, while Microsoft acknowledged the right to peaceful protest but did not condone unlawful actions.

Additional protests planned by the Stop Dirty Data Centres coalition include marches in Dublin, demonstrations outside Poland's parliament, and protests against another Microsoft data center in Denmark, DW English noted.