Data Centers Face Noise-Related Lawsuits as Microsoft Sued Over Wisconsin Hum

Microsoft is facing a lawsuit over noise from its data center in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin. The proposed class action claims that Microsoft's negligence allowed a low-frequency hum to affect residents' quality of life and property values.

The lawsuit is the latest in a wave of cases targeting data centers for operational issues, rather than development. At least six similar lawsuits have been filed this year, including one against xAI for noise, vibration, and air pollution from its Mississippi data center.

The complaint alleges that Microsoft could have prevented the noise by using soundproofing equipment, acoustic barriers, or low-noise cooling systems. The frequency of the hum is too low to be detected by standard A-weighted decibel monitors, which municipalities typically use to enforce noise ordinances.