Finland launches criminal investigation into Google’s clearing of forest for datacentre site
Finnish authorities have launched a criminal investigation into a Google subsidiary for allegedly clearing forest land for a data center without required environmental impact assessments. The project is part of a larger infrastructure initiative in the region.
Why it matters
This case highlights the growing tension between the massive energy and land requirements of AI infrastructure and local environmental regulations.
An aerial view of the site where Google’s datacentre is set to be built in Muhos./Getty Images An aerial view of the site where Google’s datacentre is set to be built in Muhos./Getty Images Finland Finland launches criminal investigation into Google’s clearing of forest for datacentre site Authorities allege company may have breached Finnish environmental laws by forgoing required impact assessment
‘Pure arrogance’: anger in Finland as Google illegally fells 250,000 trees for datacentre
Prefer the Guardian on Google Finnish police have launched a criminal investigation into possible breaches of the country’s environmental laws at the site of a planned Google datacentre in rural northern Finland .
Authorities allege that Tuike Finland, a Google subsidiary, cleared and drained 330 hectares (815 acres) of forest at the planned site in Muhos before environmental impact assessments required by Finnish law had been completed.
Also covering this story
One other newsroom covered this event. We read that version too.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in