TikTok Builds New EU Data Center in Finland for Project Clover

TikTok Strengthens EU Data Security with New Finland Data Center

TikTok is building a new data center in Finland as part of its "Project Clover" initiative. This €1 billion investment aims to enhance data security for its 175 million European users and address ongoing regulatory concerns regarding data transfers to China.

Project Clover involves establishing data centers within the EU to store and process European user data, ensuring compliance with GDPR. This new Finnish facility joins existing data centers in Ireland and Norway, further strengthening TikTok's commitment to data localization.

Through a €1 billion investment, a new data center will be built in Kouvola by local developer HyperCo Oy. This project is a core part of Project Clover, our €1.2 billion initiative which is delivering industry-leading protections for the data of our 175 million-strong European community.

This move comes after the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) imposed a €530 million fine on TikTok for GDPR infringements related to data transfers. TikTok is appealing the ruling and maintains it has never shared European user data with Chinese authorities.

Addressing Data Security Concerns

Project Clover, similar to "Project Texas" in the US, aims to alleviate concerns about potential data access by the Chinese government. These concerns stem from broader issues surrounding Chinese influence operations on Western social media platforms.

While TikTok has invested heavily in data separation, concerns persist. These concerns have led to bans on TikTok in some regions and continued scrutiny from EU authorities.

The Finnish data center represents a significant step in TikTok's efforts to comply with EU data regulations. However, it remains to be seen whether these measures will fully satisfy regulators and address ongoing concerns about data security and potential influence operations.

For more information, visit the TikTok Newsroom.