Finland’s Licensing and Supervision Authority (LVV) has ordered Google’s Finnish subsidiary, Tuike Finland Oy, to suspend preparatory work that significantly changes the environment at planned data-center sites in Muhos and Kajaani. The order does not stop all activity: planning, measurements, soil surveys and other low-impact work may continue while environmental impact assessments are completed.
What work must stop—and what can continue?
The order, issued on 6 October 2026, applies to preparatory measures that significantly alter the sites. They were to stop immediately and no later than 23 October, and remain suspended until the projects’ environmental impacts had been assessed. The order is not a blanket ban on activity at either site. [Yle]
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Planning, measurements, soil surveys and other work with limited environmental impact can continue. The distinction is between gathering information or planning and carrying out work that materially changes the land before its impacts have been assessed.
Recommended Free Tools
Why did LVV intervene?
LVV said the project areas had already undergone extensive preparation, including tree felling, topsoil removal, construction of roads and storage areas, and changes to ditches and culverts. Its concern is that such work can itself change the environment and affect the assessment of impacts and alternatives.
#1 Best Overall
Tommi Muilu, head of LVV’s environmental department, said: “Our assessment is that these measures change the environment and cause impacts whose identification and assessment are among the central objectives of the environmental impact assessment procedure.” [Yle]
The assessments were still underway when the order was issued. Reporting said they were expected later in 2026, but the sources do not establish a final completion date or findings. [Yle]
Rank #2
- COMPLETE MESH WIFI: Get everything you need in one box- 3 Google WiFi AC1200 routers for a clean, elevated setup that boosts signal performance and keeps your home organized.
- WHOLE HOME COVERAGE: The 3-pack mesh system provides fast, stable WiFi for homes up to 4,500 sq. ft., ensuring smooth streaming, gaming, and browsing in every room with no dead zones or drop-offs.
- SIMPLE APP SETUP & MANAGEMENT: Use the Google Home app to set up in minutes, manage connected devices, enable parental controls, and create guest networks — all from your smartphone.
- Intelligently works behind the scenes to make sure your Wifi remains fast so you can stream with speed
- RISK FREE PURCHASE: Not happy? Enjoy our 30-day return guarantee - buy with confidence knowing your satisfaction comes first.
What is alleged about forest clearance?
The Finnish Association for Nature Conservation alleged that more than 300 hectares had been cleared at Muhos while environmental impact assessment procedures were incomplete, and also raised concerns about work at Kajaani. That figure is the association’s allegation, not a final legal finding. The available reporting does not establish a court ruling that the clearance was illegal. [Helsingin Sanomat]
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsWhat has Google said?
Google said it understood the concerns, would examine LVV’s findings and would follow the authority’s guidance. It said it had acted in good faith under Finland’s Forest Act, conducted nature surveys and taken steps to protect areas of environmental value. Google also said it planned to plant trees across 130 hectares in Muhos; that is a stated plan, not a completed restoration result. [Yle]
Rank #3
- Google Wifi is a scalable, flexible mesh Wifi system that blankets your home in reliable coverage and keeps buffering at bay; 1 Google Wifi point replaces your router and additional points expand your network to keep the connection fast in every room[1]
- Google Wifi gives you whole home coverage[1]; 1 Pack covers up to 1500 square feet and 3 Pack covers up to 4500 square feet; points work together to create a mesh network for more coverage
- Intelligently works behind the scenes to make sure your Wifi remains fast, so you can stream with speed[1]
- Simple setup in a few steps; use the Google Home app to create your network and get online in minutes[2]
- Parental controls let you manage screen time, restrict certain kinds of adult content, and pause Wifi to specific devices on your mesh network whenever you want
Google’s Forest Act position is separate from the environmental assessment requirement. Yle reported that environmental impact assessment requirements are governed by Finland’s Environmental Impact Assessment Act, not the Forest Act. Google communications manager for Finland and Norway Sondre Ronander said: “In this case, we did not meet the high standards we set ourselves.” [Yle]
How does the order fit into Google’s Finland investment plans?
On 9 September 2026, Google announced plans to invest at least €13 billion in digital infrastructure in Finland during 2027–2028. The announced footprint includes Hamina, Kajaani, Muhos and Vaala, with data centers and supporting infrastructure among the planned investments. The announcement does not mean every project has final permits or will follow its original schedule. [Google]
Rank #4
- A new type of connected system that replaces your router for seamless wifi coverage throughout your home, helping eliminate dead zones and buffering
- Network assist technology keeps your connection fast by always selecting the clearest channel and fastest band for your devices; WiFi throughput: 1200 MPBS.
- A simple app gets you set up quickly and allows you to see what's connected, prioritize devices, and pause the WiFi on kids' devices
- A single WiFi point covers up to 1,500 square feet, a set of three covers homes up to 4,500 square feet WiFi points work together so you can add more if you need additional coverage
- 24/7 phone support from google; 1 year warranty; material: plastic
Google projected an average annual €3.6 billion contribution to Finnish GDP and more than 37,000 jobs nationwide during the initial construction phase in 2027–2028. These are company projections, not measured outcomes. [Google]
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteEarlier, on 28 November 2024, the Finnish Government said Metsähallitus had received permission to sell Google four parcels in Muhos and Kajaani, covering about 1,400 hectares in total, for more than €27 million. The same release said the planned use required statutory land-use planning and permit processes; the land sale itself did not grant all development approvals. [Finnish Government]
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What happens next?
The significant preparatory measures covered by the order must remain suspended until the environmental impacts have been assessed. The available sources do not establish the assessments’ final conclusions, a final compliance decision, or a later court ruling. Those outcomes will determine what can proceed beyond the limited-impact planning and survey work allowed during the suspension.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
