"Making sure rules of physical world also apply online"
We need to start making sure that the rules that apply in the physical world also apply online. So says our "Minister for Digitalisation", State Secretary Van Huffelen. We list the main points for digitalisation in the Netherlands.
State Secretary Van Huffelen (Kingdom Relations and Digitalisation). digitaleoverheid.nl
Parliamentary letter outlining policy for digitisation
On 8 March, State Secretary Van Huffelen, together with the Ministers of Economic Affairs and Climate Change, Justice and Security and Legal Protection, sent a letter to the House of Representatives. In this letter, they list the main points for digitalisation policy for the coming cabinet period.
They indicate that there is still some work to be done. Not only on digital inclusion, but also for digital security, privacy and a healthy digital economy. Digitalisation is changing how we live, how we make new products, education, healthcare, housing and living together.
In the 1990s we were introduced to the internet and email, today we spend an average of 4 hours and 44 minutes a day online.
Chamber letter outlining policy for digitisation - 8 March 2022
Digitisation creates many new opportunities, but at the same time also challenges. Digital systems of both companies and governments can also discriminate. Sometimes they unknowingly exclude people.
Minister for Digitalisation
The government wants to invest more in key digital rights: privacy, security, inclusiveness, participation and democracy. They are also keen to project this internationally. That is why the secretary of state is internationally titled "Minister for Digitalisation".
In Europe, the Netherlands wants to make sure that the various member states cooperate more on digitisation. The "Minister for digitisation" is going to help with this.
Improving digitisation in 4 themes
To make a safe, inclusive and enabling digital society for all Dutch people, four themes have been defined:
Digital foundation: These are the most important conditions to improve digital government, society and the economy.
Digital government: The (digital) government must put people more at the centre with safe, reliable and accessible services.
Digital society: Everyone must also be able to participate digitally. Care, education and mobility are important here.
Digital economy: The government promotes a safe and open digital economy with opportunities for businesses and consumer protection.
Thema 1: Digital fundament
Our physical rules should also apply more online. Consider privacy, safety, inclusion, preventing discrimination and providing opportunities.
There will be more focus on cybersecurity. This is also one of Cardan Technobility's spearheads for 2022. Especially in the current times, the online security of governments, companies and citizens is under pressure.
Everyone should also be able to take advantage of digital opportunities. It is therefore important that everyone has sufficient basic digital skills to be able to participate independently online. Extra attention will therefore be paid to digitalisation in education and elsewhere.
This is why the government is working on accessible, understandable and user-friendly government services, with citizens and businesses at the centre.
Minister's letter Hoofdlijnen beleid voor digitalisering - 8 March 2022
The government will also start work on implementing the European Accessibility Act (EAA). From 2025, digital accessibility will become even more important for web shops and providers of transport services and banking, among others.
Theme 2: Digital government
Work is under way to create a digital government that puts citizens and entrepreneurs at the centre. Accessible service is very important in this regard. It is important that digitisation of government ensures that people are helped and not to solve their own problems.
The government should also become more transparent and set an example to others.
Theme 3: Digital society
The internet gives us the opportunity to make our society more high quality, inclusive, innovative and efficient. The government's main focus then is on:
Education
Public health
Climate
Mobility
Public space
Employment
Thema 4: Digital economy
The digital transition naturally presents many opportunities in terms of the economy and our society. It can contribute to sustainable economic growth.
Increased focus on digital accessibility and inclusion
We can clearly see that the current government is paying more attention to digital accessibility and inclusion. But at the same time, these ambitions do create some challenges for governments, companies and other organisations. We are happy to help you with that.
Cardan Technobility advises on accessibility, provides training and raises awareness within your organisation. Soon, we will also guide companies and organisations to get their digital security in order with our new cybersecurity service.
So make sure you get there in time. After all, adjusting your digital services afterwards costs a lot more time (and therefore money). Don't wait until 2025 to get your digital services in order.