Norway: Norwegian Authorities Increases Its Oversight of Data Center

The Norwegian government is making preparations to strengthen national supervision over data centers through proposed rules in the country's electronic communications law. All Norwegian data center operators will be required to register and provide details of their activities under the proposed regulations. In addition, they will be required to adhere to security regulations comparable to those placed on the telecom industry. The National Communications Authority's function and responsibilities will expand under the new regulations. The government's objective is to strike a balance between the need for government supervision over the data center sector and growth-friendly regulatory conditions. Moreover, the proposed laws will guarantee that the industry is managed in the same manner as other providers of electronic communication infrastructure. 

As per Sigbjorn Gjelsvik, the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, data centers are a vital component of their digital infrastructure, and it is essential that they have a thorough understanding of and command over these companies. Last year, they consulted on a proposal for new data center regulations in the new Electronic Communications Act. Additionally, the Norwegian government has proposed an automated regulation to make the new regulations operational. The proposal will permit the establishment of rules that assure police and EOS services have access to information about data center operators and their consumers when there is a legal basis to do so. The Minister of Justice and Public Security, Emilie Enger Mehl, stated that the data center industry has not been similarly regulated as other providers of electronic communication infrastructure. However, the industry in Norway has expanded substantially in recent years. Now, the government is implementing measures to increase national control over this sector.