Amazon has officially ended the practice of requiring local and state government partners to sign nondisclosure agreements for its data center projects in the United States. This policy shift, confirmed in late September 2026, allows officials to disclose details regarding facility size and tax incentives earlier in the development process.
The decision follows the launch of a congressional inquiry on September 30, 2026, by Representative Jamie Raskin. The investigation examines how major technology companies, including Amazon, Google, and Meta, utilize confidentiality agreements when negotiating with public officials and how such secrecy impacts local governance and community debates.
Data center expansion remains a significant focus for the company. In March 2026, Amazon acquired a 111-acre site in Ashburn, Virginia, for over $427 million to expand its footprint in Loudoun County. Additionally, in 2026, the company provided nearly $500,000 in grants to 40 community organizations in Northwest Louisiana.
The inquiry now turns its focus toward Google and Meta, who are also under scrutiny for their use of nondisclosure agreements. Local governments, such as those in Loudoun County, are expected to gain more transparency, potentially altering how residents participate in community discussions regarding future infrastructure projects.
