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.
A year in progress
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.
What will you find in the Work Agenda?
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.
Digital foundation
1. Everyone must be able to participate in the digital age
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.
2. Everyone must be able to trust in the digital world
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.
3. Everyone will have control of their digital lives
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.
Digital government
4. A digital government must adhere to a values-driven and transparent methodology
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.
The Caribbean part of the Kingdom
5. Strengthening the digital society in the Dutch Caribbean
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.
