OpenAI considers rebranding data centers to ‘AI computing campuses’ as data center backlash intensifies – company sees 2028 presidential election becoming an ‘AI issue’

OpenAI is reportedly preparing a major public relations campaign to influence how Americans view artificial intelligence, including a proposal to rename its data centers as “AI Compute Campuses.” Axios Reports. The initiative comes ahead of the November 3 US midterm elections and forms a broader effort to influence the debate around AI ahead of the 2028 presidential race. Chris Lehane, OpenAI’s chief global affairs officer, noted that the Mediterranean “would be a bit of a movie trailer for what you’re going to see in 2028.” He expects AI to be a big issue for presidential candidates as the technology raises concerns about its impact on jobs, the economy and the environment.

OpenAI’s proposed terminology change has been ongoing since August as the company focuses on promoting safeguards for the powerful technology, which Lehane described as “speed limits.” The proposed AI compute campuses is particularly interesting because it comes as opposition to large data centers is accelerating across the US. Data centers require huge amounts of electricity and water, with nearby communities raising concerns about noise, air pollution, rising utility bills and limited public consultation. OpenAI hopes to address these concerns through community agreements and another way of presenting the infrastructure. “Compute campuses better describe the role of the infrastructure we’re rebuilding for AI,” a company spokesperson said separately. He added that these projects represent long-term investments in IT, energy infrastructure and skilled jobs.