Call to society

What is the urgency?

The Netherlands wants to be a frontrunner in the field of digitization. That is a great ambition, but with a downside. Our privacy is under increasing pressure. Often, we pay with our personal data for access to countless digital platforms and services. It seems free, but unconsciously we pay a high price.

Many people hardly realise how much information they hand out. More and more parties are monitoring our online behaviour. Our data is linked and sold on. This creates a digital profile on the basis of which companies and even governments make decisions. These often have a major impact on our lives, without us having any influence on it. Our profile also determines which information we do and do not see, so that we are unconsciously influenced. The imbalance of power between large tech companies and the government vis-à-vis the individual and the citizen must be restored. Without intervention, polarisation will increase and this will damage democracy.

We now have to reverse that trend. Because the digitization of society is accelerating and dependence is increasing, now is the time to arrange things properly. Let the Netherlands not only lead the way in digitization, but also be a frontrunner in the field of digital privacy and better protection for everyone.

What do we want to change?

Legislation is underway at both European and national level to curb the unbridled use of personal data. But regulation and supervision alone will not be enough; developments are happening so fast that we are always behind the times. A social change is needed. The basic principle should be that everyone should also have access to their own data, regardless of who processes it. It must be transparent for what our data is collected for and what happens with it. We must be confident that our data will not be unknowingly used for other purposes – and certainly not used, linked and resold without our explicit permission. We should not be constantly tempted to provide more data than we actually want to give and then is necessary. Respect for privacy should be the norm, also in the digital world.

What has to happen?

• A fundamental rethinking is needed. This starts with acknowledging the problem and taking responsibility. It is the responsibility of companies, organisations and governments to actively promote digital privacy. By setting a good example yourself, by not collecting more data than is strictly necessary and by consciously opting for digital platforms and services based on privacy. This means that we have to stop using business models based on the massive collection of data from users.
• The Dutch ambition to become a digital frontrunner must also be translated into legislation and regulations. In addition, it is the task of the government to create Public awareness, provide information and stimulate a social dialogue. And by actively encouraging the availability of sufficient digital alternatives, so that no citizen unintentionally has to hand over their data.
• We ask all parties involved in the Netherlands to work on this. By taking responsibility yourself, thinking along with us, creating social awareness, actively supporting privacy-friendly alternatives and thus contributing to a better digital society.