What does it mean to have a data center show up in your backyard? That’s the motivating question behind “The Data Centers Are Coming,” a new podcast series hosted by Danny Caine and the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. The first two episodes premiere tomorrow, and the series explores how communities are fighting against tech giants like Amazon, Google and Meta.
“The data center story is an amazing example of good local organizing,” Caine, who lives in Columbus, told Upbeat Nonsense. “Change making is still quite possible at the local level.”
For Caine, who is also a writer, the story became deeply personal when he found out that Anthropic had used one of his books to train its generative AI model. The book, “How to Resist Amazon and Why,” shows how Amazon’s discount strategies ultimately harm writers.
“I spent years working on that book, and it’s continued to open doors for me,” Caine said. “I like to think that I’m a progressive person who embraces technology, but I’ve yet to be convinced that [generative AI] makes anyone’s lives better.”
Data Center Alley in Ashburn, Virginia. Photos provided by Danny Caine.
In addition to using artists’ work without permission, generative AI has demonstrated severe public health consequences. Data centers use a large amount of electricity and water, further straining the communities they occupy. In turn, the costs of utility bills have increased in Ohio, a state that has experienced public utility scandals.
Across six episodes, Caine travels to cities such as Baltimore, Memphis and Ashburn, Virginia, known as Data Center Alley, to capture the personal stories of the people on the frontlines against tech expansion. If you want to understand how Data Center Alley got its name, you can scroll through this tool.
“It’s terrifying, it’s about the evils of big tech and monopolies, but there has been amazing organizing and galvanizing of people,” he said. “The severity of all this and how it motivated people to fight back made a very compelling story.”
Data Center Alley is the world’s densest data center hub, located near Washington, D.C. Photos provided by Danny Caine.
Whether it’s hanging out with neighbors or canceling your Amazon subscription, the most important lesson is to stay connected with community members.
“The distance between us and elected officials is shortest at the local level. We build local power by knowing our neighbors, organizing and holding elected officials accountable,” Caine said.
The first two episodes premiere tomorrow, April 30, and you can find out more information here.