Dutch Government Dubbed ‘Big Brother’ Amid Plans To Monitor Private Messages

In the fight for free speech, and against mass surveillance, it is not enough simply to keep an eye on the goings-on in Brussels. Last week’s killing of the Commission’s ‘Chat Control’ measure was certainly good news, but it is important to monitor legislation in the member states, too—as the Netherlands has just proved.

The new Dutch government has just approved a bill handing the police more powers to monitor citizens online, even when there are no concrete suspicions of criminal activity.

Ministers say the measure is needed to “prevent or stop the disruption” caused by “potential”—not guaranteed—events likely to cause “serious disruption of public order,” such as riots.

But critics warn that it is an overstep, and say it should be scrapped.

Speaking in defence of the bill, Justice and Security Minister David van Weel said disturbances “are increasingly being fueled and organised via social media and other online platforms,” adding:

It is therefore essential that the police are allowed to gather information online in order to intervene in a timely manner.

Digitalisation lecturer William Bantema told Trouw that officials appeared wrongly to be equating all “protesters” with “rioters,” and pointed to “the risk of discrimination or a disproportionate focus on groups with dissenting ideas.” That would no doubt include conservatives.

Particular concern has also been prompted by reports that, while the bill currently only allows for the collection of “public” data and talks of “strong safeguards,” ministers are also preparing to green light the monitoring of private messages and groups.

Dutch commentator Eva Vlaardingerbroek dubbed this: “Pre-crime meets Big Brother.”

And conservative philosopher Andreas Kinneging agreed that, even as it stands, “this bill is dictatorial.”

The rule of law demands reasonable grounds for suspicion. Away with it!

The bill must next go to the Council of State for legal advice.