Canada's data centre boom is feeding conspiracy theories

Theory Briefing

• Canada's bid to become an AI data centre hub has sparked claims the facilities are covert surveillance centres, not computing infrastructure.
• Data centres are deliberately opaque — no windows, heavy security, anonymous branding — making them easy targets for suspicion about hidden purposes.
• The gap between what officials say these buildings do and what locals can observe fuels distrust, especially in communities where they're suddenly appearing.
• Conspiracy theories about surveillance infrastructure often grow fastest when real government data-collection scandals have already eroded public trust.