Amsterdam Police Detain Up to 200 After Protesters Storm Microsoft Data Center Site

Dutch police said they detained between 150 and 200 people for trespassing after demonstrators broke into the construction site of a Microsoft data center in Amsterdam. Reports describe clashes between protesters and officers during the incident. One participant told a local broadcaster the goal was to stop the building work from going ahead.

Microsoft’s Response

Right to Protest, Not Unlawful Acts

Microsoft said it knew about the demonstration and understands that people feel strongly about the project. A spokesperson said the company respects the right to express views peacefully but does not condone unlawful actions or anything that puts people’s safety at risk.

Data Center Backlash Spreads

The protest comes as opposition to data centers grows on both sides of the Atlantic, since the facilities use large amounts of electricity and water. After the US midterms, a wave of Democrats who promised to clamp down on data centers is expected to bring tougher regulation. That concern helped drive this week’s sell-off in AI stocks.