Election results could reshape data center policy and tech regulation

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This week's U.S. midterm elections delivered significant wins for Democrats, and those results may have far-reaching consequences for technology policy. Voters faced 41 ballot measures tied to data center expansion on Tuesday, and in nearly every case, majorities chose to tighten restrictions on such projects. Beyond direct ballot language, data centers emerged as a central campaign issue, with newly elected Democratic officials positioned to pursue stricter regulatory frameworks.

The latest episode of TechCrunch's Equity podcast brought together hosts Kirsten Korosec, Sean O'Kane, and Anthony Ha to examine how these electoral outcomes will reshape the technology landscape. Their discussion extended well beyond data center policy to encompass broader government scrutiny of Big Tech firms.

The episode covered several major developments affecting the sector:

• Whether Google's first satellite data center signals the emergence of orbital infrastructure
• Whether artificial intelligence bears responsibility for recent workforce reductions at design platform Canva and website builder Squarespace
• Marvell's $115 billion acquisition of Lumentum, representing one of the largest technology transactions on record
• CrowdStrike's decision to acquire two artificial intelligence-focused security startups
• NBCUniversal's funding commitment to Indian microdrama platform Elo Elo and what that signals for media investment

Equity is available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms. Listeners can also follow the show on X and Threads at @EquityPod.