DigiD is at risk of falling into American hands. This is extremely worrying, because it is a vital service. An additional problem is that BTI, the body responsible for assessing the takeover of the Dutch DigiD infrastructure, is refusing to comment on the matter. A coalition of experts and interest groups is now demanding transparency and a say in the matter.
American 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 to all kinds of Dutch government agencies, including the Tax and Customs Administration, as well as insurers and healthcare and service providers. DigiD is legally designated as a service that is vital to our society.
Kyndryl has reported to the Investment Review Office (BTI) of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, and BTI must now assess whether the acquisition is acceptable. The question is whether this assessment will take place at all, but BTI is not commenting on this. Citizens will not be able to find out anything about the content of any assessment decision that may be taken.
That is why a coalition of experts and advocates, including Privacy First and the new foundationThe Firewall, sent an urgent letter to BTI on Monday, January 12. In it, we urgently request information about the review process so that we, as interested citizens and organizations, can be involved in that process.
Under US law, which applies to Kyndryl, the United States can demand access to data and systems, which is contrary to the interests of the Netherlands and the privacy of Dutch citizens. This could have major consequences for citizens in our country.
Placing this vital infrastructure in foreign hands will increase our dependence on American tech companies and put pressure on our digital self-determination. In a broader sense, Privacy Firsthasalreadyexpressedserious concerns about this, including in the run-up to last year's Dutch elections.
If part of our vital digital infrastructure is placed in American hands, this increases the Netherlands' vulnerability to failure, manipulation, or even blackmail. Current geopolitical developments and developments in the United States itself make it clear how urgent this is.
We demand complete transparency regarding BTI's assessment of this acquisition. As stakeholders, we want to have the opportunity to be involved in this assessment process and to be heard.
It is essential that the risks to national security and individual freedoms of citizens are fully identified and safeguarded against abuse before such a takeover can take place. The foundations of our digital society must be carefully protected. Would you like to read more about our appeal and the full letter? You can do so atFollow the Moneyor atde Volkskrant.
