89% of UK adults are unfamiliar with data centers, according to a new survey from SEC Newgate, underscoring a widespread knowledge gap about facilities that are increasingly central to digital infrastructure. The survey of more than 1,500 UK adults found that 14% had never heard of data centers at all, despite their growing role in everyday life and rising global headlines over environmental impact.
Survey reveals widespread lack of awareness
The research, conducted by SEC Newgate, included a parallel survey of almost 500 local councillors, revealing an alarming lack of knowledge among those making key local decisions about data center development. According to the report, when respondents were provided with factual information explaining what data centers do, how they operate and why they are needed, attitudes shifted dramatically:
| Metric | Before factual info | After factual info |
|---|---|---|
| Positive sentiment toward data centers | 35% | 61% |
| Support for building new data centres | 54% | 73% |
| Backing for classifying data centres as Critical National Infrastructure | – | 79% |
The survey also found that among those who did have some knowledge, the link to AI was the most important factor—three-quarters of respondents believed data centres were expanding because of excessive demand for the technology.
Conditional support and environmental concerns
Support for new data centers was shown to be conditional, with many members of the public still forming their opinions. Two-thirds (67%) of respondents said they believe data centers use too much power, while 55% expressed concern about pressure on water resources, and 66% worried about cybersecurity risks. Overall, 60% said they would accept more data centres being built in their local area as essential to the country's future growth, but 40% would not—even when national benefits were made explicit.
"Data centres are now critical national infrastructure, yet this research shows we haven’t built a shared public understanding of what they are, why they matter or how they fit into everyday life." — Leyla Hart-Svensson, Managing Director, Insight & Intelligence, SEC Newgate
Hart-Svensson added that the gap is significant at a moment when the UK is making major decisions about digital growth. "What we are seeing is not a public that is opposed to data centres, but a public whose views are still forming," she said, noting that data centres now sit at the intersection of debates about energy, trust, and the future of the digital economy.
Implications for infrastructure and policy
For trade and logistics professionals involved in data center supply chains—including importers of servers, cooling equipment, and power infrastructure—the survey signals that public perception remains a live factor in planning and permitting. The UK government’s decision to classify data centres as Critical National Infrastructure, which 79% of informed respondents backed, could accelerate development approvals. However, local opposition, particularly over power and water use, may still slow projects.
The findings show that factual engagement can shift opinion significantly, suggesting that companies and policymakers should invest in public communication to build consent for future data center builds. As the survey notes, attitudes are still being formed and could shift in coming years.
What to watch: Follow-up surveys tracking changes in public awareness as more data centers are proposed, and how local councillor knowledge evolves ahead of planning decisions.
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