The Dutch government has proposed a significant and complex legislative amendment for its intelligence services, including expanded powers for digital intrusion into citizens' computers and phones, potentially including those of lawyers and journalists, and a more significant role for AI programs like ChatGPT in analysing sensitive data.

Privacy organisations and cybersecurity experts, notably Bits of Freedom, have raised serious concerns, asserting that this could decrease citizens' digital human rights. The proposed changes also involve reduced oversight by regulators over the activities of the Dutch intelligence agencies, AIVD and MIVD.

While some aspects, such as limitations on oversight, were previously known, additional proposals put forward by Minister Hanke Bruins Slot have faced criticism for potentially worsening the situation.

Why does it matter?

Despite hopes for the proposals to be deemed controversial and delayed, the Dutch parliament decided to proceed promptly, aligning with the government's urgency in enacting the amendments and granting more leeway to the intelligence services. The complexity and potential ramifications of the proposed changes have caused concern among experts, with some arguing for a more thorough consideration of the implications, particularly regarding the balance between national security and citizens' rights.