United States faces rising opposition to tech infrastructure and surveillance

In the United States, growing opposition is emerging regarding the expansion of technology-driven infrastructure. One major area of contention involves the construction of new data centers. While often linked to the AI boom, local resistance is primarily driven by concerns over energy access, rising electricity prices, noise pollution, and the environmental impact of power plants required to support these facilities. A recent survey indicates that three-quarters of Americans do not wish to live near a data center, turning the issue into a significant local political matter.

Simultaneously, there is rising pushback against automated license plate reader (ALPR) surveillance networks. Companies like Flock Safety have deployed hundreds of thousands of cameras that record vehicle details, including make, model, color, and specific features, uploading them to searchable cloud databases. While law enforcement uses these tools to assist investigations, critics argue the system creates a searchable map of human movement. Concerns include the potential for mass surveillance of private habits and documented instances of misuse by officials to track individuals.