Google faces environmental scrutiny over illegal logging in finland for AI data center

Google has been accused of illegally clearing 250,000 trees in Finland's northern region of Muhos to build an AI data center, according to a report by The Guardian. The company reportedly removed approximately 330 hectares of forest without completing the required environmental impact assessment. Local residents and environmental groups criticized the project, noting the area now consists of muddy land, tire tracks, and piles of tree roots. Concerns have also been raised about potential contamination of nearby streams that flow into the Oulujoki River. The Finnish Licensing and Supervision Authority (LVV) ordered Google to halt construction at both Muhos and Otanmäki sites by October 23, warning of potential legal action if the company fails to comply. Environmentalists estimate that an additional 150,000 trees were cut down at Otanmäki, bringing the total to 400,000 illegally felled trees. The timber from these illegal cuts cannot be sold to wood processing companies. Google's Finland regional head has since apologized for the deforestation.