Citizen Service Number for Residents of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba
A new bill will give residents of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba a citizen service number by 2025. This will improve digital government services.
Digitalisation has major implications for how we live and work. It is changing society dramatically. The influence of digitalisation is everywhere: The internet, smartphones, apps and online platforms have become an integral part of our existence. New technologies like generative artificial intelligence (AI) will only increase that impact.
If the Netherlands does not properly prepare for this fundamental change, there is a risk that we will miss opportunities and that society will be saddled with products and services that do not serve our interests and pose great risks. There are already numerous examples, from the deliberate dissemination of misleading information to distort public debate to discriminatory algorithms by government agencies.
Finding solutions starts with asking the right questions. What digital world do we want to live in? How do we ensure that everyone can trust the digital world and participate? The answers to such questions have a common denominator: If we want digital technology to continue to work for our society, and if we want to take advantage of opportunities and mitigate risks, digitalisation must be values-driven and people-centric in its design, and society, the business community and government must work together. The Cabinet has been working on this, in part by appointing the first coordinating Minister for Digitalisation who is further shaping this values-driven digitalisation with her fellow ministers.
On 4 November 2022, the Values-Driven Digitalisation Work Agenda was presented to the House of Representatives. In December 2023, a review was conducted. Read more about the achieved results and the latest developments.
The Work Agenda comprises important aspects described in the policy brief: “Main Outlines of the Digitalisation Policy” (read in Dutch). It’s broken down into tangible goals and actions. The Work Agenda focuses on five key areas, the so-called “tracks”: 1) Participation, 2) Trust, 3) Control Over Digital Lives, 3) A Values-Driven and Transparent Digital Government, and 5) Strengthening the Digital Society in the Dutch Caribbean.
Everyone must be able to participate in digital life. This primarily comes from sufficient skills and knowledge. Unfortunately, a large number of children and adults still struggle to use social media consciously, critically and actively. Accessibility is also determined by the extent to which public services connect with the lives of citizens and entrepreneurs and the extent to which they work together as one government. Lastly, digital accessibility is partly determined beyond our borders. The largest technology companies are based outside the Netherlands, and some of the regulations come from Europe. It is important to ensure that the Dutch commitment to values-driven digitalisation is also acknowledged and accepted internationally. View the assignments, objectives, and actions related to this track.
Everyone must be able to trust that public values such as security, privacy and non-discrimination are safeguarded in the digital world. This safeguarding is not yet a given. We see unsafe situations, such as phishing, botnets and cybercrime. We also see situations where the rights of vulnerable groups (e.g., children) are in jeopardy; an example is digital applications that entice people to stay online as long as possible or to make impulse purchases. We also see that technologies can be discriminatory. View the assignments, objectives, and actions related to this track.
Citizens and business owners must be able to view and retrieve the data the government holds about them and have it corrected where necessary. They must also be able to share data easily way if they want to. It is important to curb the collection, trade and sometimes loss of all kinds of personal data by public and private parties. Regulations and policies are needed for things like ID wallets and other basic services. We will connect the developments taking place within various ministries in this area, collaborating in Europe and beyond. We are focussing specifically on AI and algorithms. We will make algorithms and their applications fair and transparent through legislation, the creation of frameworks, and supervision. This will give people control of their data and enable them to rely on data being treated properly. View the assignments, objectives, and actions related to this track.
The government must lead by example and adhere to a values-driven and transparent methodology. A professional, transparent and incorruptible digital government is a prerequisite for things such as high-quality and innovative services, protection of privacy, cybersecurity, and giving citizens control over their data. We are committed to ensuring adequate information management to give citizens, organisations and parliament insight into the government’s actions and decisions. The future and sustainable design of the organisation and systems is equally important. View the assignments, objectives, and actions related to this track.
Citizens and businesses in Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba (Dutch Caribbean) must be able to benefit from the opportunities of values-driven digitalisation and mitigate risks. This is not yet the case. That is why we are strengthening the government’s digital services, improving infrastructure and increasing the knowledge and skills of citizens and businesses. Similarly, we are working with Aruba, Curaçao and St Maarten. There are similar issues there that we are solving together. View the assignments, objectives, and actions related to this track.
Caribbean News - 22 October 2024
A new bill will give residents of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba a citizen service number by 2025. This will improve digital government services.
News - 12 August 2024
Generative AI, for example, has increased the proliferation of disinformation. Both in scope and intensity. Therefore, new measures are in place as of June 2024.
Caribbean News - 23 July 2024
The updated website, launched on July 22, 2024, is a joint effort by local and national governments to ensure an effective digital government system.
Caribbean News - 16 July 2024
The proposal for postcodes in the Caribbean Netherlands aims to improve mail delivery and online service access. Learn more and where you can contribute your thoughts and ideas until 26 August.
Caribbean News - 28 June 2024
Strengthening the Digital Society in the Dutch Caribbean and Startup in Residence Intergov are nominated for the Computable Awards 2024. Will you help decide?
News - 4 June 2024
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has released a guide to help organisations recover from cyber incidents. The guide outlines four key steps to take. Read further to find out what they are.
News - 25 April 2024
A preliminary working version of the Dutch ID wallet was recently released. Once government-recognised, citizens and businesses will be able to conduct digital transactions in the Netherlands and other EU member states.
News - 17 April 2024
Privacy experts within the Information Security and Privacy Protection Center (CIP) have developed the 'Privacy Top 10' factsheet. It outlines responsible and secure handling of data and information.
Caribbean News - 11 March 2024
This move simplifies online procedures, enabling them to arrange practical matters for their studies before departure, and to log in to websites of the Dutch government.
In the following collapsible sections, you will find the results we aim to achieve in 2024 for priority 1.3 “Effectuate Values-Driven National and EU Regulations”:
In the following collapsible sections, you will find the results we aim to achieve in 2024 for priority 1.2 “Accessible, High-Quality and Proactive Services”:
In the following collapsible sections, you will find the results we aim to achieve in 2024 for priority 1.1 “Improving Digital Skills and Knowledge”:
If you're working on digitalising the government and got something on your mind, please share your thoughts with us.