In a significant move to satisfy European regulators, TikTok has officially announced plans to construct its second massive data center in Finland. The $1.2 billion (1 billion euro) facility will be located in the Kiveriö district of Lahti, southern Finland. This development is a cornerstone of the company’s broader “Project Clover,” a 12-billion-euro initiative aimed at creating a “European data enclave” to ensure user information remains within the continent and away from the company’s home base in China.
Strengthening Data Sovereignty
The Lahti facility is designed to host the personal data of TikTok’s 200 million-plus European users. By keeping data processing local, TikTok intends to comply with strict EU directives and address long-standing security concerns. The center will launch with an initial capacity of 50 megawatts (MW), with the potential to scale up to 128 MW. This follows the 2025 opening of TikTok’s first Finnish data center in Kouvola, which is expected to be fully operational by the end of this year.
Economic Impact and Local Approval
While the project has faced some national political scrutiny regarding transparency, local officials in Lahti have welcomed the investment. Mayor Niko Kyynäräinen described the move as “substantial” for the city’s economy, noting that it strengthens Lahti’s position in the global digital ecosystem. Finland’s cold climate and access to stable, low-cost renewable energy have made it an increasingly popular “paradise” for tech giants like Microsoft and Google to establish hyperscale infrastructure.
The project is being developed in collaboration with DayOne and will feature independent oversight by the NCC Group to verify data controls. Construction is expected to wrap up within the year, with the site projected to go live by 2027.