OpenAI is quietly renaming data centers ‘compute campuses’

OpenAI is launching a new initiative called the 'Grid Protectors Program' to address concerns about its AI infrastructure's impact on local power grids, particularly during extreme weather and emergencies. The program will debut at a site in Effingham County, Georgia, and aims to 'pay the costs we create' and 'help communities keep the lights on'. OpenAI is using the term 'compute campus' instead of 'data center' to rebrand its facilities, which are seen as loud and resource-hungry eyesores by critics. The company claims its new 'compute facilities' are 'much different' than older data centers, allowing for flexibility in power demand.