A major Time magazine cover story highlights a growing grassroots movement in the United States opposing the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and its underlying infrastructure, especially sprawling data centers that power AI systems. From Virginia to Georgia and beyond, residents from across the political spectrum — Republicans, Democrats, faith leaders, filmmakers, nurses, Indigenous activists, and more — are voicing concern that AI’s expansion is moving too fast and imposing tangible costs on local communities. These protests focus on environmental strain, rising energy and water use, and the broader societal impact of AI technologies.
In Richmond, Virginia, for example, nearly 200 people marched against new data-center projects they say strain local resources like electricity and water, increase utility bills, and bring noise and industrial footprints to rural areas. A 2025 Pew survey cited in the article found Americans are highly sceptical about AI’s influence on creativity, relationships, and decision-making, with concerns far outweighing excitement about its benefits. Time frames this scepticism as uniting otherwise disparate groups around a common “Team Human” ethos — opposing what they see as tech-driven neglect of ordinary people’s interests.
The backlash also connects to politics and policy: state-level figures are making data-center reform and AI accountability central to campaigns, and activists have halted nearly $98 billion worth of data-center investments in recent years. Critics argue that while AI firms and some politicians promote infrastructure expansion for competitive advantage, the local impacts — from land and water use to tax incentives that favour corporations over residents — aren’t adequately weighed. Even faith communities and creative professionals express worries about AI eroding spiritual life and cultural expression.
AI companies have responded by introducing measures like age verification and commitments to pay more for electricity costs, but many protesters remain unconvinced that voluntary changes go far enough. Time suggests that this grassroots resistance could influence elections and policy debates, as more voters and local leaders weigh the costs of data-center driven AI growth against community well-being.
