The Guardian is calling on UK residents living near artificial intelligence datacentres to share their experiences and any concerns they may have about these facilities. There are approximately 450 large datacentres across the UK, housing computing infrastructure that powers cloud services and, increasingly, AI applications.
Debate over local impact
There is significant debate about how datacentres affect their local areas. Concerns raised by nearby residents include land use, pollution, noise, and the “heat island effect,” where concentrated heat from the facilities raises local temperatures.
As part of the Guardian’s ongoing coverage, the publication wants to hear from people living near AI datacentres about their firsthand experiences. The callout invites individuals aged 18 or over to share their stories, anonymously if they wish.
How to participate
Residents can submit their experiences using a secure online form. The form is encrypted, and only the Guardian has access to the contributions. The data provided will be used solely for the purpose of the feature, and any personal data will be deleted when no longer required. Alternative methods for secure contact are available via the Guardian’s tips guide.
For those having trouble using the form, further instructions are provided. The terms of service and privacy policy are linked for reference.
