TikTok has begun migrating European user data to its newly operational Norwegian data center as part of Project Clover, a $13 billion data security initiative to enhance data protection for its 150 million European users.

The Norwegian facility became TikTok’s second European data center after activating its Irish location last year. Both centers form part of a dedicated European enclave that stores data from users in EEA countries, the UK, and Switzerland.

NCC Group, the independent security provider overseeing Project Clover, has initiated continuous monitoring of security gateway environments. These gateways implement technical protocols controlling data access, including measures to prevent China-based employees from accessing restricted European user data such as phone numbers and IP addresses.

The security firm’s role includes inspecting the gateways’ source code and reviewing future updates, allowing TikTok to respond to potential security alerts in real time.

Since Project Clover’s announcement in 2023, TikTok has reported several key developments:

• Establishment of a European data enclave as the default storage location for regional user data
• Activation of data centers in Ireland and Norway
• Implementation of additional security barriers with independent monitoring by NCC Group
• Installation of new protocols restricting access to sensitive European user data

The platform’s European enclave currently operates across servers in the United States and Ireland, with Norway now joining as the third storage location.

In June, reports emerged that ByteDance-owned TikTok put its plans to expand its e-commerce platform in major European markets on hold. The decision affected planned rollouts in Spain, Germany, Italy, France, Ireland, Mexico, and Brazil, which were initially set for July.

Instead, TikTok announced it focused on solidifying its position in the U.S. The company aims to increase its American merchandise volume to $17.5 billion in 2024. However, concerns over the U.S. ban deterred some merchants from joining the platform.

However, in July, TikTok was reportedly moving forward with launching its in-app shopping platform, TikTok Shop, in Spain and Ireland in October.