Finnish TikTok data centre sparks US‑China tech tension
The construction of a TikTok data centre in Finland could jeopardize relations with the USA by giving China access to American microchips, as warned by Wille Rydman, the Finnish Minister of Economic Affairs. According to the politician, the investment will bring the country minimal benefits.
Finnish Minister of Economic Affairs, Wille Rydman, expressed concerns about the construction of the TikTok data centre in southern Finland. He emphasized that the construction of a server centre for the Chinese social media platform raises concerns, especially in terms of protecting user data.
That's not the full extent of the concerns. Rydman warned that the investment might grant the People's Republic of China access to American microchips, potentially jeopardizing vital industrial and research collaboration with the United States.
The United States, towards the end of Joe Biden's term, decided to limit the export of advanced Nvidia processors to many countries. China and Russia were subject to a total ban to prevent their use for military purposes. Finland, as one of the "most trusted" partners of the USA, is not subject to these restrictions.
Risk for cooperation with the USA
Rydman pointed out that there is a risk that China might use data centres in various countries, formally leased by TikTok, precisely to gain access to advanced technologies.
In light of the above, the politician expressed the opinion that the construction of the TikTok data centre in Finland might bring minimal benefits but cause significant harm.
As reported by Finnish broadcaster Yle, the TikTok data centre project was kept secret for over half a year. The Finnish government only learned about the investment at the end of April, after the first building permit was issued and the land was purchased.
The centre will be established in the city of Kouvola, and the Finnish development company Hyperco will handle its construction. TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, will be the main user of the facility.
The Finnish National Assembly and the Council of Ministers had previously banned the use of TikTok on official devices of their employees.
