Ahead of the Lower House elections on Oct. 29, in this election special we compare the positions of the eight largest parties according to the polls. In this edition, we juxtapose the digitization agendas of GroenLinks-PvdA (GL-PvdA) and the VVD.
Disclaimer: the comparison is based solely on the election manifestos, not other statements by party leaders or group members.
Both parties recognize that digitization can make government more efficient and accessible, but their approaches differ greatly. GL-PvdA advocates centralized direction through a Minister of Digital Affairs and wants to establish by law that there must always be a non-digital alternative. In addition, a Digital Accountability Act should ensure overview in government ICT. The human measure is paramount: decisions should never be made entirely by algorithms.
Instead, the VVD opts for a smaller, more effective government along the lines of Singapore and Estonia. AI must be fully deployed to improve the quality and efficiency of government, with civil servants being retrained. Physical counters will remain available, but the emphasis will be on digital services that are understandable and user-friendly. A government-wide ICT team should refloat failing projects and centralize software procurement.
The emphases also differ on the topic of AI. GL-PvdA sees opportunities, but emphasizes regulation and ethics. Risky applications such as real-time facial recognition should be prohibited and AI content should always be recognizable. The party rejects the mandatory handing over of data for training purposes. At the same time, GL-PvdA wants to invest in an AI factory in Groningen, where experiments will take place with respect for privacy and copyright. The sustainability side is also emphasized: the high energy consumption of AI cannot be ignored.
The VVD mainly looks at AI as an engine for economic growth. The party program talks about an AI gigafactory and a national AI hub, inspired by French initiatives, so that the Netherlands remains competitive with the U.S. and China. AI should be applied broadly, from SME support to detection and reducing animal testing. In Brussels, the VVD advocates relaxing legislation such as the AI Act and GDPR so as not to hamper innovation.
On cybersecurity, the priorities are closer together, although the emphases differ. GL-PvdA wants to designate online crime as high impact crime and give the police more capacity. The party also advocates an obligation for platforms to report signals of sexual abuse, and a national expertise center against disinformation. Privacy will have a central place: the trade in personal data will be prohibited and digital mail secrecy, including end-to-end encryption, will be enshrined in law.
The VVD is making a stronger commitment to geopolitical threats and resilience. Intelligence services are given more resources and lighter supervision in operations against foreign threats. Companies must be better protected against ransomware and get quick help after attacks. In addition, the VVD wants legislation that gives victims more say in deepfakes, and harmful algorithms that promote polarization must be banned. Every household must also be prepared for digital failures and be able to function self-sufficiently for 72 hours.
GL-PvdA's digitization agenda focuses mainly on public control, protection of rights and social justice, while the VVD opts for economic opportunities, efficiency and technological growth. While both parties agree on the need for digital autonomy and cybersecurity, they show markedly different views on the role of government and how AI should be deployed.
This article was created (in part) using AI, based on [GroenLinks-PvdA: A new start for the Netherlands and VVD: Stronger out of the storm].
