OpenAI wants large AI data centers to be called “AI compute campuses,” arguing the term better reflects their computing, energy and workforce infrastructure.
OpenAI wants large facilities that power artificial intelligence to be known as “AI compute campuses” rather than simply data centers.
A company spokesperson confirmed the terminology change, arguing that modern AI infrastructure involves far more than storing data.
AI compute facilities require large amounts of computing hardware, power infrastructure, land and skilled workers, making them closer to industrial-scale campuses than conventional server buildings.
The terminology shift comes as public concern around data center expansion grows.
A Pew Research Center survey found that 54% of U.S. adults believe data centers are mostly bad for the environment, while 50% say they negatively affect household energy costs.
OpenAI says local communities should have a role in shaping large AI infrastructure projects and should share in the economic benefits they create.
Other major technology companies are also responding to community concerns around AI infrastructure.
Microsoft, for example, has ended its use of nondisclosure agreements with local governments for most data center negotiations as part of a broader transparency effort.
Whether “AI compute campus” becomes the industry standard remains unclear, but the terminology reflects how AI infrastructure is evolving from traditional data storage toward massive computing and energy-intensive facilities.
