ⒾMachine translations by Deepl
DigiD must not fall into US hands
DigiD is in danger of falling into US hands. This is extremely worrying, as it is a vital service. Additional problem: BTI, the body tasked with assessing the takeover of the Dutch DigiD infrastructure, does not want to make any announcement about it. A coalition of experts and interest groups is now demanding openness and codetermination.
US tech giant Kyndryl wants to acquire Dutch IT service provider Solvinity. This raises fundamental questions about our digital autonomy. After all, Solvinity manages the infrastructure behind DigiD, the system that allows citizens to identify themselves digitally with all kinds of Dutch government agencies, including the tax authorities as well as insurers and healthcare and service providers. DigiD is legally designated as a service of vital importance to our society.
Kyndryl has applied to the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs' Bureau Toetsing Investeringen (BTI) and BTI must now test whether this takeover can pass. The question is whether this review will take place at all, but BTI makes no announcements on that. Citizens cannot find out anything about the content of any review decision.
That is why a coalition of experts and advocates, including Privacy First and the new foundation The Firewall, sent a fire letter to BTI on Monday 12 January last. In it, we urgently requested information about the review process so that we, as interested citizens and organisations, can be involved in that process.
Why are we so concerned about this takeover?
Within US law, under which Kyndryl falls, the United States can demand access to data and systems, which conflicts with the interests of the Netherlands and the privacy of Dutch citizens. This could have major consequences for citizens in our country.
Sovereignty
Putting this vital infrastructure in foreign hands will increase our dependence on US tech companies and put pressure on our digital self-determination. More broadly expressed Privacy First had major concerns about this before, including in the run-up to the Dutch elections last year.
Continuity and security
Putting part of our vital digital infrastructure in US hands increases the vulnerability of the Netherlands to failure, manipulation or even blackmail. Current geopolitical developments and developments in the United States itself make it clear how urgent this is.
Our call
We demand full transparency on BTI's review of this acquisition. As stakeholders, we want the opportunity to be involved and heard in this review process.
It is essential that the risks to national security and individual freedoms of citizens are fully identified and safeguarded against abuse before such an acquisition can take place. The foundations of our digital society must be carefully protected. Want to read more about our call and the full letter? You can do so at Follow the Money or at de Volkskrant.
