Amazon drops data-center NDAs as AI agents seek access

Amazon will drop NDAs on local data-center deals after Microsoft, while firms limit outside AI agents and startups seek inbox and card access.

TechCrunch’s Equity podcast reports that Amazon will end NDAs for data-center negotiations with local governments, after Microsoft made a similar transparency move earlier this year. Hosts tie secrecy to community backlash and hundreds of proposed or enacted moratoriums from New York to San Francisco. The episode also cites Lambda’s reported $4 billion raise and a $35 billion backlog tied to one customer, plus Uber’s $2.3 billion all-cash deal for ezCater. It covers agent startups seeking inbox, file, and credit-card access, a White House Super Intelligence Force, and Ghost’s $3,499 always-on agent computer, described as unlikely to go mass market. United, Apple, and Amazon are limiting outside agents. Both reports agree on Amazon’s NDA change and the moratorium geography; the second is more specific that Microsoft acted earlier this year and that the moratoriums number in the hundreds and are proposed or enacted.

• Amazon will stop using NDAs when negotiating data-center deals with local governments, following Microsoft.
• Microsoft made a similar transparency move earlier this year.
• Secrecy is linked to community backlash and hundreds of proposed or enacted data-center moratoriums from New York to San Francisco.
• Lambda reportedly raised $4 billion and has a $35 billion backlog tied to one customer.
• Uber agreed a $2.3 billion all-cash acquisition of ezCater.
• United, Apple, and Amazon are restricting outside AI agents.
• Personal AI startups want agent access to inboxes, files, and credit cards, with trust framed as their core product.
• Ghost’s $3,499 always-on agent computer was discussed as unlikely to go mass market; a White House Super Intelligence Force was also mentioned.