Dutch digital privacy and dark web extortion concerns

An investigation by Binnenlands Bestuur and AD reveals that Microsoft services power 80 percent of municipal processes in the Netherlands, with municipalities spending nearly 185 million euros on the provider last year. IT experts warn that the use of these American technologies allows U.S. security services potential access to Dutch government and corporate digital files. While the Dutch cabinet has expressed a desire to reduce dependence on American technology, it is currently negotiating a new multi-year collective contract with Microsoft.

Separately, the Dutch Minister of Justice and Security, Van Weel, has pledged to request police assistance for Belgian authorities investigating the sale of intimate photos and private data of women on the dark web. Since 2023, a website has been offering 'extortion packages' containing social media profiles and contact details for as little as one euro per victim. Lawmakers have condemned the practice as organized sexual violence and are calling for swift action to take the site offline.