Norwegian AI Developer Sparks Backlash After Storming Out of Iloilo Public Consultation

NEWS | Norwegian AI data center developer Daniel Stefan Robertsen is facing severe public backlash following an incident on Friday, August 14, 2026, where he abruptly exited a public consultation meeting and directed insults at local media representatives.

The consultation, held to discuss a proposed artificial intelligence data center project in the municipality of Oton, turned tense when residents and local leaders raised concerns regarding the facility's environmental footprint and resource consumption. According to witnesses, Robertsen became visibly agitated during the questioning before abruptly leaving the venue.

As he exited the premises, local journalists attempted to interview Robertsen regarding the community's concerns. Rather than addressing the questions, the developer reportedly hurled insults at the reporters present, dismissing their inquiries and questioning their professional competence.

The incident has drawn immediate condemnation from local press groups and municipal officials. Critics have called out the developer's behavior as unacceptable, emphasizing that public consultations are legally mandated platforms for transparent community dialogue, and that members of the press have a duty to report on matters of public interest.

Representatives for Robertsen's development firm have not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident or the future status of the Oton data center project.