Monroe County commission votes against signing NDA with Google over data center

The Monroe County Board of Commissioners unanimously rejected a proposed non-disclosure agreement with Google, which purchased 950 acres of land off Rumble Road in September for a potential data center.

The agreement would’ve required the county to notify Google within two days of receiving any open records request related to the company’s activities in the county, officials said. Google would review the request and determine what information should be disclosed under state law.

The NDA drew massive outcry from the county, with people packing into the commission’s chambers.

According to an investigation by NBC News, tech companies use NDAs to keep landowners and public officials quiet about the details surrounding data center projects. Tech companies and developers argue NDAs are necessary to protect information about their strategies and planned projects before they’re announced.

During the meeting, County Attorney Ben Vaughn recommended voting against the county signing the NDA, saying it would complicate the county’s duties under Georgia’s Open Records Act without making any changes to what information can be released.

“Your obligations are governed by the Georgia Open Records Act,” Vaughn said. “This agreement does not modify the act, but it does complicate your response to disclosures of the Open Records Act.”

There was little debate following Vaughn’s recommendation, and all five commissioners voted against signing the agreement to applause from attendees.

The Telegraph has reached out to Google for comment on this story.