Members of the Geef Tegengas group entered a construction site for a new Microsoft data center in Amsterdam this morning. Around 100 people scaled cranes and placed banners on the structure. One banner read “fuck AI” while another stated “Microsoft powers genocide”. Protesters chanted slogans including “Microsoft has got to go” and “free Palestine”. The action targets three planned 85-meter towers located in the outskirts of the city.
This direct action follows a municipal ban on new data center construction in Amsterdam that took effect more than a year ago. The protest highlights the tension between local planning restrictions and corporate expansion plans for artificial intelligence infrastructure. Local opponents argue the facilities will strain the region’s energy grid and contribute to climate change. The group continues to monitor the site for further developments regarding the project’s approval status.
* Three 85-meter towers are planned for the outskirts
* Amsterdam banned new data centers over a year ago
* Geef Tegengas is the organising action group
