Google has been ordered to halt work on two data centers it's developing in Finland, a month after the tech giant committed to investing $15 billion in artificial intelligence infrastructure in the country.
Finnish Licensing and Supervision Agency, or LVV, on Tuesday issued a notice to Google subsidiary, Tuike Finland Oy, to suspend building work for data center projects planned for Muhos and Kajaani until the environmental impact assessments have been completed.
The suspension request applies, among other things, to the removal of trees, removal of topsoil, excavation, quarrying, crushing, transfer of soil masses, ditching, and the construction of roads and storage areas, according to a Google translation of an LVV press release.
"We understand the concerns and have fallen short of our own high standards in this instance," a Google spokesperson told CNBC, adding that it would follow the LVV's guidance.
"We acted in good faith under the Forestry Act, and ran nature surveys and put in place measures to protect high-value areas," the spokesperson said. "As we continue our long-term work in the region, we are advancing our landscaping and biodiversity plans, which include tree planting across 130 hectares [320 acres] at Muhos."