Did a data centre revolt affect the US mid-term election results?

A surge in data center construction across the U.S. has raised questions about whether their expansion influenced voter behavior in recent elections, as political campaigns increasingly rely on digital infrastructure for outreach and analytics. The BBC’s Verify team investigates how these facilities—often backed by tech giants and private investors—may have shaped local policies or public perception, particularly in communities hosting major operations. Meanwhile, growing anti-AI sentiment among lawmakers and activists poses new risks to the industry’s growth, as regulatory scrutiny and public backlash could reshape investment and operational strategies. The report explores whether the industry’s rapid expansion has outpaced its ability to address concerns over energy use, privacy, and political influence.

BBC Verify examines whether US voters were influenced by the data centre boom - and the impact anti-AI sentiment could have on the industry.