Texas Court Orders Google to Remove Photos of xAI-Linked Data Center Posted by Former Contractor
A Tarrant County district court judge ordered Google to remove photos and videos of a Memphis AI data center posted to Google Maps by a former subcontractor within 72 hours of being served. The facility is linked to xAI and was allegedly photographed by a technician subcontractor named Shulgin, who is accused of misappropriating confidential information. The order raises significant legal questions because Google was not a named party in the underlying lawsuit, yet is being compelled to act.
On May 19, 2025, Tarrant County District Court Judge Megan Fahey issued an order in CTC Property LLC v. Shulgin directing Google and other internet platforms to remove photographs, videos, and other confidential information about an AI data center under construction in Memphis, Tennessee. The facility is reportedly linked to Elon Musk's xAI. The defendant, Shulgin, is alleged to have used his former position as a technician subcontractor to take unauthorized photos of the interior of the data center and post them publicly, including on Google Maps. The court found that CTC Property LLC would suffer ongoing, irreparable harm as long as the material remained publicly accessible, citing loss of competitive advantage. Google was given 72 hours to comply after being served with the order, despite not being a named party in the case. Legal observers have noted this raises constitutional and procedural concerns, as courts generally cannot bind third parties who were not parties to the litigation without due process protections.
What's missing
It is unclear whether Shulgin is a U.S. citizen or primarily based in Russia, which could have national security implications beyond the trade secret claims. The specific nature of xAI's relationship to CTC Property LLC and the Memphis facility has not been fully disclosed in available reporting.
How coverage differed
The sole source, Reason, frames the court order as 'pretty clearly unconstitutional and otherwise improper,' reflecting its libertarian-leaning editorial perspective on free speech and judicial overreach. No left-leaning or mainstream outlets were available to provide alternative framing.
What different sources said
- ReasonRight
Texas Court Orders Google to Remove Information Posted by User Regarding xAI-Linked Data Center
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