Finnish authorities have ordered an immediate suspension of building work at two major Google data centre sites following widespread concern over the clearance of more than 300 hectares of forest.

The halted projects in Muhos and Kajaani form part of Google’s landmark €13 billion (£11bn; $15bn) digital infrastructure investment in Finland, which was announced just last month as the tech giant’s single largest European investment to date.

The intervened after discovering that preliminary groundwork, including removing trees and topsoil, altering ditches, and building site roads, had proceeded without completing mandatory environmental impact assessments.

Environmental groups raised alarms after observing that protected nature sites and extensive tracts of forest had been cleared.

the local entity managing the projects, has been directed to submit a formal explanation and outline its compliance strategy by October 14, with the regulatory body warning of potential enforcement proceedings and fines if demands are ignored.

Google acknowledged the regulatory misstep in a statement, noting that it had “fallen short of our own high standards in this instance” while maintaining that it had acted in good faith under local forestry legislation. The company added that it would fully review the agency’s findings and cooperate with guidance as it advances ongoing biodiversity and landscaping frameworks.

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