A plushie that screams: a satirical take on data center noise

A satirical plushie named Bezzy, shaped like a server rack, is designed to mimic the piercing sounds of a real data center. The toy, created by the New York-based studio Basura in collaboration with the musical project Big Data, aims to raise awareness about the environmental and social impacts of data centers. The plushie, which emits a high-pitched, grinding noise when squeezed, is part of a project called 'Adopt a Data Center,' launching alongside a new Big Data single. The sound, recorded by a neighbor in Virginia, is described as 'like a car alarm going off nonstop.' The project, which includes stickers and a website, seeks to highlight the growing controversy around data centers, which are criticized for their energy consumption and noise pollution. Rajeev Basu, founder of Basura, emphasized the goal of the project is to provoke thought about who controls data centers and whether communities benefit from their presence. Only 20 Bezzy dolls are available for $99, with the physical toy serving as a tool to encourage users to explore the facts about data centers through the project's website.