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OpenAI Weighs Calling Its Data Centers 'AI Compute Campuses' as Part of a Post-Midterm Public Relations Push
OpenAI is preparing a public relations campaign for after Tuesday's midterms that could rename its data centers, TechCrunch reported, citing Axios, as public debate over the facilities continues.
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What happened
OpenAI may start calling its data centers "AI compute campuses," TechCrunch reported Sunday, citing reporting by Axios. The possible new name is one part of a broader messaging effort the company is preparing to launch after Tuesday's midterm elections.
According to Axios, as summarized by TechCrunch, the effort amounts to a "PR blitz." TechCrunch described data centers as deeply unpopular and presented the rebrand as one of several proposals discussed by a senior OpenAI executive.
Why OpenAI is looking past Tuesday
An executive's view of 2028
Chris Lehane, OpenAI's chief global affairs officer, told Axios the midterms will be "a bit of a movie trailer for what you're going to see in 2028." TechCrunch reported that Lehane expects AI to be "the issue" in that year's presidential election.
The political backdrop
TechCrunch wrote that the planned campaign is timed for a period when Democrats seem likely to win back the House of Representatives, and possibly the Senate. That assessment is TechCrunch's, and the results of Tuesday's elections are not yet known. Readers following the vote can find more in our elections coverage.
The ideas OpenAI is discussing
Lehane discussed several proposals aimed at shaping the AI debate going forward, according to TechCrunch. The report listed the ideas but did not explain in detail how each one would work.
AI "speed limits"
One proposal involves developing AI "speed limits." TechCrunch's report did not say what those limits would apply to or who would set them.
Everyday benefits and global standards
Another idea centers on finding ways to help people see AI as something that empowers them in their daily lives. Lehane also discussed pushing the U.S. to take a role in developing global standards, TechCrunch reported.
A new name for data centers
The list of proposals also included renaming data centers as "AI compute campuses." TechCrunch framed the idea with a simple question: what if the unpopular facilities were called something else? The outlet reported the rebrand as something OpenAI might do, not a final decision.
The broader debate over data centers
Lehane called the conversation around data centers "good and healthy," according to TechCrunch. The outlet noted that the debate has already pushed Amazon and Microsoft to say they will no longer use nondisclosure agreements, known as NDAs, when negotiating with local governments.
"Communities should hold companies responsible and accountable so they really and truly get a transformative benefit from these projects," Lehane said, as quoted by TechCrunch. The report did not describe any specific OpenAI data center project or any particular community involved in the debate.
TechCrunch's account was brief and relied on Axios for the details of OpenAI's plans. It did not say when the campaign would begin beyond placing it after the midterms. More reporting on artificial intelligence is available in our AI and tech section.
What to watch next
- The results of Tuesday's midterm elections, after which TechCrunch reported OpenAI plans to launch its campaign.
- Whether OpenAI formally adopts the "AI compute campuses" label, which TechCrunch reported the company might do.
- Details on the AI "speed limits" proposal and the other ideas Lehane discussed, which have not been spelled out.