Translation:
Digital systems are essential for keeping the city running every day. Benefits, permits, healthcare, and the storage and protection of Amsterdam residents' data are entirely dependent on these systems. To ensure we maintain control over what happens to our digital systems and data, we are developing a step-by-step plan for greater digital independence.
Like other government bodies, Amsterdam has become heavily dependent on a small number of large American technology companies. This is undesirable, especially now that international relations are regularly tense. With the Multi-Year Strategy for Digital Autonomy, we ensure that our data is secure and that we can make our own decisions about it.
Maintaining Control
Alderman Alexander Scholtes (ICT and Digital City): “Our critical digital infrastructure should be in European hands. Just as we want to maintain control over the railways our trains run on, we must also maintain control over our digital systems and data. Standing still and remaining dependent is no longer an option. This strategy shows what is possible and what is needed to gain greater control over our digital foundation.” 3 steps
Many Amsterdam civil servants work with digital systems, and much of their data is stored in the cloud. It takes time to become less dependent on these systems. This requires conscious choices and clear steps. The strategy we have chosen therefore consists of three phases and will last until 2035.
First step
We have already taken the first steps. For example, we are pursuing a new strategy for purchasing and digital storage. We are also assessing any new products for digital independence when choosing between different suppliers. This year, we will continue this process and also investigate which systems could replace the current ones. For example, we want to test a work environment that does not run on software from American big tech companies. This way, we will see what works and what else is needed.
Next steps
These are our goals in the second and third phases until 2035:
At least 30 percent of cloud storage and applications are located on Dutch or European platforms.
All processes necessary to run our organization and all sensitive data are housed on European digital infrastructure. For the most important digital systems, we can always switch between multiple providers, so we are not dependent on a single dominant party.
Collaboration and Investments
Digital independence is a concern for all Dutch citizens. Therefore, Amsterdam collaborates with other major cities, the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG), and the national government. This requires structural investments.
Learn more
Multi-Year Strategy for Digital Autonomy 2026-2030 (link to pdf in Dutch) https://amsterdam.raadsinformatie.nl/document/16563456/1/Mee...
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