OpenAI wants to rename data centers as “computing campuses”
The company is promoting the new name amid dissatisfaction with the construction of AI infrastructure
OpenAI intends to use the expression “computing campuses” instead of the familiar name “data centers” for its artificial intelligence infrastructure. A company representative confirmed these plans to Business Insider.
At OpenAI, they believe the new term more accurately reflects the scale of the complexes under construction and their role. The company proposes viewing such facilities as long-term investments not only in computing, but also in energy infrastructure and skilled labor.
An OpenAI representative also said that residents of host regions should participate in shaping the projects and receive opportunities connected with their development.
The initiative emerged amid worsening attitudes among Americans toward data centers. According to a Pew Research Center poll conducted from July 20 to August 9, 2026, 54% of U.S. adults believe that such facilities primarily harm the environment. In January, 39% held this view.
Half of those surveyed also rate the impact of data centers on household electricity costs negatively, while 49% do so regarding the quality of life of people living nearby. The study reflects public opinion rather than measuring the environmental damage caused by specific facilities.
According to Axios, promoting the name “computing campuses” will become part of a broader public and political campaign by OpenAI after the U.S. midterm elections on November 3. The company is preparing to discuss the development of AI infrastructure and its benefits for local communities more actively.
Thus, OpenAI is betting on changing how large computing complexes are presented to the public: the emphasis is shifting from server capacity to investment, jobs and regional development.
