Google’s Finland data center plan faces investigation after forest clearing

The inquiry could slow Google’s planned expansion in Finland while regulators check whether the work met environmental rules.

Google’s planned data center build near Muhos, Finland, is under investigation after reports that its local operator cleared more than 300 hectares of forest before a required environmental impact assessment. The episode matters because the project is part of Google’s larger Finnish expansion and could affect how quickly the company can keep building in the country. Google says the tree removal followed Forestry Act requirements and that important nature areas were protected during the work. Local conservation leaders have asked for construction to be paused until regulators decide whether the project complies with the law.