To improve the identifiability and security of the digital government, the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) is working on 3 tracks:
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Register of government internet domains (RIO)
Establishing a register of government internet domains enables citizens to verify whether a website genuinely belongs to the government. Read more about RIO.
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Update of the existing domain name policy (2011)
To improve agreements on website ownership and strengthen management of the central government’s web portfolio, the Dutch government updated its domain name policy. The new Internet Domain Policy for the Dutch Government 2026 (Dutch) establishes clear links with IT policy, including frameworks for IT asset and lifecycle management, and the application of IT standards. Compared to the old policy, the updated version:
- Structures policy agreements more clearly and strictly, such as introducing a ‘no, unless’ principle for requests for new domains.
- Includes guidelines on handling deviations.
- Clarifies tasks and responsibilities.
- Exploration of a uniform domain name extension
Uniform domain name extension
A uniform domain name extension is a standard suffix at the end of a website address, such as .gov.nl. If adopted, all government websites would be required to end with the same extension. This enhances recognisability and helps citizens easily identify official government websites. It also strengthens the government’s control over its web portfolio. For these reasons, 83 countries have already introduced a uniform domain name extension.
In the Collective Letter on Digitalisation of 22 December 2023 (Dutch), former State Secretary Van Huffelen took a principle decision, based on security considerations and international best practices, to introduce the .gov.nl extension for government websites. The same letter announced a feasibility study to assess the organisational and financial implications of implementing a domain name extension, scheduled for 2025. Further research is also needed to determine whether .gov.nl is the best solution from a communication perspective, with .overheid.nl proposed as an alternative.
View the FAQs on uniform domain name extensions.
Opportunities and risks
In the long term, introducing a uniform domain name extension offers significant opportunities to improve transparency, efficiency, lifecycle management, security, and privacy by design for the Dutch government’s web portfolio.
However, the Dutch government’s current complex web portfolio management structure may pose feasibility risks and costs for implementing a uniform extension. Additionally, rolling out a domain name extension is a lengthy process, as government websites would need to be migrated in phases.
Research
- Uniform Domain Name Extension for the Dutch Government (2025) (Dutch) (Berenschot) Offers advice on the potential scope and reach of introducing a uniform domain name extension for Dutch government websites.
- Impact Analysis Approach for Uniform Domain Names (2025) (Dutch) (PBLQ) Advice on conducting an impact assessment for a uniform domain name extension.
- Recognition of Government Websites: Does a Uniform Domain Name Extension Help? (2023) (Dutch) (Centerdata) Public research into the added value for citizens of a uniform domain name extension for recognising government websites (and other online communication channels). Conclusion: Citizens find such an extension very helpful. It is easy to explain and understand, even for those with lower digital literacy. However, effective communication remains essential.
