TikTok to build second €1 billion data centre in Finland

Social media platform TikTok will invest €1 billion in a new data centre in Lahti, southern Finland, marking its second major investment in the country, Finnish public broadcaster Yle reports.

The facility, set to open in 2027, is part of TikTok’s €12 billion “Project Clover” initiative to store and process European user data within the continent. The company has also partnered with cybersecurity firm NCC Group to audit its data protection practices and monitor data flows.

The Lahti data centre will directly employ around 100 people, with additional jobs expected through broader economic activity. TikTok’s head of public policy in Finland, Christian Hannibal, stated the company aims to hire locally where possible but noted that specific skill requirements are still under assessment.

The investment follows TikTok’s earlier €1 billion data centre project in Kouvola, announced in 2025, which sparked debate over data security concerns tied to the platform’s Chinese ownership. Hannibal emphasised that the Finnish facilities will ensure European user data remains within the EU, addressing fears of unauthorised access.

Lahti’s mayor, Niko Kyynäräinen, confirmed the city was notified of the plans about a week ago and has verified that national authorities were informed. The city plans to collaborate with local universities and explore using the data centre’s excess heat through Lahti Energia.

TikTok cited Finland’s strong digital infrastructure, clean energy, and skilled workforce as key factors in its investment decisions. While no further projects are currently announced, Hannibal indicated the company continues to evaluate expansion opportunities.