Conservative groups join bipartisan backlash against AI data center expansion in Florida

A protest organized by the group No Data Centers Hernando County drew fewer than a dozen attendees in Spring Hill, Florida, reflecting local opposition to a proposed hyperscale data center. Organizers, including 71-year-old Carol, a retired conservative radio host, demanded a permanent ban rather than a temporary moratorium already approved by the Hernando County commission.

Protesters cited concerns including noise pollution from data centers, which Carol described as emitting frequencies harmful to pollinators like bees. Environmental degradation and the social costs of AI adoption were also highlighted, with anecdotes about AI’s perceived impact on personal relationships.

The protest was part of a broader movement coordinated by Humans First, a conservative social movement that describes itself as advocating for 'everyday people' in AI governance. Nearly 150 protests affiliated with Humans First have taken place nationwide, according to the report.

Opposition to data centers has become bipartisan, with a Gallup poll indicating that 70% of Americans oppose construction in their communities. Opposition spans political lines, with 66% of Republicans and 75% of Democrats surveyed expressing objections.

Conservative protesters also raised national security concerns, alleging that hyperscale facilities source components from China, an American adversary. Carol questioned the reliance on Chinese-made chips, framing it as a blind trust in foreign technology.

Humans First is led by Amy Kremer, a longtime conservative organizer with ties to the Tea Party and Women for Trump. Despite the group’s partisan roots, the Hernando County protest focused on local issues such as quality-of-life concerns and environmental impact.

The movement’s emergence reflects a convergence of conservative and liberal anxieties about AI, including its ethical implications, mental health effects, and potential for government surveillance.