Verb CEO Criticizes Hypocrisy Regarding AI Expansion

Cyrus Beschloss argued that opponents of AI data centers must acknowledge their reliance on the underlying technology.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence

Isometric editorial illustration of a dense array of server cabinets and cooling infrastructure, symbolizing large-scale technological systems. — Verb CEO Cyrus Beschloss recently challenged critics of AI expansion, arguing that opposition to local data center development ignores the foundational role these facilities play in modern technology. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you support the construction of new data centers in your local community?

Verb CEO Cyrus Beschloss recently challenged critics of artificial intelligence development, suggesting those who oppose local data centers are hypocritical while simultaneously utilizing AI tools. He framed the current national debate as a binary choice between supporting infrastructure or abandoning the technology entirely.

Why it matters

The tension between AI adoption and infrastructure concerns has intensified as tech firms pursue massive investments like the $500 billion Stargate Project. This conflict centers on balancing national security and economic growth against local environmental and social anxieties.

The Stargate Project, launched in 2025, represents a massive infrastructure investment of $500 billion to power AI systems. Meanwhile, Verb operates a data exchange platform that allows users to set reserve prices for selling proprietary data to AI companies.

The players

Cyrus Beschloss

Cyrus Beschloss is the CEO of Verb, a company that operates a data exchange platform used to facilitate the sale of information to artificial intelligence firms.

OpenAI

OpenAI is an artificial intelligence research organization that achieved widespread recognition after releasing the ChatGPT interface in 2022.

Gallup

Gallup is a global analytics and advisory company known for conducting public opinion polls and social research on various national issues.

The details

Tech companies maintain that data centers create jobs and strengthen national security, while opponents cite job displacement, environmental impacts, and copyright issues. Verb manages a platform where individuals can monetize their data for use by these AI systems.

OpenAI released ChatGPT in 2022.
The Stargate Project launched in 2025.
A Gallup survey on data centers was published in May 2026.
Cyrus Beschloss spoke at a CNBC event on October 14, 2026.

The Tech Race

The Stargate Project has catalyzed a national debate over the physical and social footprint required for modern computing infrastructure. This marks a departure from traditional tech development as firms now face significant pushback for the physical data centers powering AI.

Users of data exchange platforms like Verb may see changes in how they monetize their proprietary information as infrastructure debates shift industry standards. Furthermore, public opposition to data centers could eventually influence the accessibility and speed of AI-powered services in local communities.

The takeaway

As AI integration increases, individuals face an emerging dilemma regarding their support for both local land use and technological progress. Balancing these priorities will likely require greater transparency from tech firms about the real-world demands of their systems.