Panel – Winning Hearts, Minds and Headlines: building public trust for the AI infrastructure era

Public awareness of data centres is increasing rapidly, driven by the growth of AI and growing scrutiny of the infrastructure supporting it. Yet while the industry plays an increasingly critical role in economic growth and digital transformation, many communities first encounter data centre projects through debates over power, water or development impacts. Research highlights a growing disconnect between the industry's perception of its role and public understanding of the value it creates. Building trust therefore requires more than project-specific engagement; it requires transparency, consistency and a broader conversation about the role digital infrastructure plays in society. How can operators, hyperscalers and developers reshape the narrative around digital infrastructure before it is defined by others?

• How can the industry pre-emptively build trust and credibility with communities?
• What role should the ecosystem play in shaping the public narrative around digital infrastructure and AI?
• In an era of heightened scrutiny, what does transparency look like?

For information on how to attend the Social Licence Forum, please email: louise.burrett@techoraco.com