TikTok is set to expand its presence in Finland with a second data center, following the initial facility in Kouvola. This new center, planned for Lahti, is projected to be operational by 2027 and represents an investment exceeding one billion euros. Finland’s selection is attributed to its cool climate and the availability of low-cost, low-carbon electricity, which theoretically should make the operational costs more favorable.
These additional European data centers are crucial for TikTok to enhance its GDPR compliance, ensuring that all European user data is stored correctly within the region. Despite these measures, concerns have been raised within Finland. Notably, former Economic Affairs Minister Wille Rydman called for the project to be ‘reconsidered’ due to security concerns. It’s important to mention that the Finnish Ministry of Defense had previously approved the first data center in Kouvola in 2024.