Netherlands: Protesters storm Amsterdam data centre construction site
Protesters broke into a data centre construction site intended for Microsoft in Amsterdam, on 6 November, climbing cranes and unfurling banners denouncing artificial intelligence and the company's alleged involvement in the war in Gaza.
Around 100 demonstrators entered the site in the Sloterdijk district , although organisers claimed several hundred had taken part. Activists used ladders to scale the perimeter fence and cut an opening to allow others inside. Some climbed a construction crane, displaying a banner reading "Fuck AI" , while others waved Palestinian flags and held signs accusing Microsoft of supporting genocide.
Police surrounded the protesters before the mayor ordered the demonstration to end. Riot officers subsequently intervened , with several arrests reported .
The protest was organised by Dutch activist collective Geef Tegengas , alongside a separate mobilisation by environmental campaign group Fossielvrij NL . Campaigners oppose the development over its expected electricity consumption , its impact on housing plans and concerns about Microsoft's activities.
The project, developed by Pure Data Centres for Microsoft , involves three towers approximately 85 metres high, with an investment exceeding $1 billion . Protesters argue that the facilities could consume as much electricity as all Amsterdam households combined, a claim that has not been independently established.
The action formed part of an international campaign against large-scale data centres , with demonstrations planned across several European countries. Both Pure Data Centres and Microsoft said they respected peaceful protest, while urging demonstrators to avoid unlawful actions.
