Activists breach Microsoft data centre construction site as protests spread in Europe

The Straits Times · The Straits Times · 2026-11-06 13:16 UTC

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AMSTERDAM – Protesters broke into the construction site of a Microsoft data centre in Amsterdam on Nov 6 at the start of two days of rallies that are part of a growing global backlash over the rapid build-out of computing power needed for AI.

Activist groups have announced actions in 16 countries on Nov 6 and 7, according to the “Stop Dirty Data Centres” coalition, which is rallying environmental groups and digital rights campaigns behind calls to pause large-scale construction.

In Amsterdam on Nov 6, more than 100 activists gathered at the construction site of a Microsoft AI data centre, marching arm in arm before breaking into the site, climbing cranes, hanging balloons and dancing while police stood by. Some carried placards with messages reading: “Screw your datacentre”.

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