Information technology (IT) in Benelux
Read the latest tech news and trends in Benelux. Find articles and resources on IT security, data storage, backup and recovery, networking, data centre, cloud computing, mobile technology, virtualisation, big data, virtual machines and more.
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News
24 Apr 2025
Interview: Daniele Tonella, CTO, ING
The bank’s global CTO has been in the role for less than a year and in that time has been working his way through four layers of tech Continue Reading
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Opinion
02 Apr 2025
Bridging Borders: The rise of Ukrainian-British tech collaboration
The IT sectors of the UK and Ukraine have built strong relationships since Russia’s invasion of the latter, and there is more to come, writes the IT Ukraine Association’s ambassador in the UK Continue Reading
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E-Zine
12 Nov 2020
CW Benelux: Dutch Alzheimer’s app helps dementia patients
An app aimed at helping dementia patients and their families has been developed by the Alzheimer Society in the Netherlands. Also in this issue, read about a Belgian startup's app based on blockchain technology to help container handling at ports, and why Rabobank ditched its legacy backup. Continue Reading
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News
26 Oct 2020
Dutch government ‘unambitious’ in digital
The Netherlands has been working at home as much as possible since the outbreak of Covid-19, but its dependence on technology and connectivity does not seem to be reflected by the government’s approach to digitisation Continue Reading
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News
22 Oct 2020
Orange Belgium reveals first 5G innovations in Port of Antwerp
Augmented field operators and connected tugboats are potential use cases as applications based on next-generation network aim to go full steam ahead at Belgian port Continue Reading
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News
02 Oct 2020
Benelux ports use blockchain in major efficiency drive
Belgian startup T-Mining develops application based on blockchain technology to make container handling safer and more efficient Continue Reading
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News
07 Sep 2020
Dutch bank set to save €5m via Veeam backup upgrade
Rabobank ditched legacy backup where patching took months and restores took hours. Those times are now cut down massively and the bank has a readily available test environment Continue Reading
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News
24 Aug 2020
Dutch Alzheimer’s app developed to aid interaction for dementia patients
An app aimed at helping dementia patients and their families has been developed by the Alzheimer Society in the Netherlands. Continue Reading
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E-Zine
13 Aug 2020
CW Benelux: Security system concerns at Schiphol Airport
A report has revealed problems with critical security systems at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. Also read why the Netherlands’ digital sector is yearning for attention from the government, and how data weaknesses persist despite Dutch companies investing heavily to comply with GDPR. Continue Reading
- 12 Aug 2020
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News
11 Aug 2020
French data protection authorities to probe TikTok as suitors circle
France’s CNIL has confirmed a new investigation into TikTok’s data protection practices Continue Reading
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News
05 Aug 2020
Netherlands investigates innovative privacy technology SSI
Dutch research organisation is looking into areas where self-sovereign identity technology could be used in society and business Continue Reading
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News
22 Jul 2020
Slack takes legal route against ‘weak, copycat’ Teams
Microsoft could be set for another joust with the EU, as its rival, Slack, files an anti-competitive complaint Continue Reading
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News
16 Jul 2020
Room for improvement in Dutch digital skills
The Netherlands has good telecommunications and IT networks that can be used safely and reliably, but there is room for improvement in digital skills among the Dutch Continue Reading
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News
15 Jul 2020
Huge declines in traditional outsourcing as Covid-19 puts a stop on deals
Traditional IT outsourcing deals value plummets in the last quarter as contracts dry up amid Covid-19 disruption Continue Reading
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News
09 Jul 2020
Dutch banking’s transaction monitoring utility gets green light
Plans for a shared utility to monitor financial transactions in the Netherlands have been given the go-ahead after six months of proving the concept Continue Reading
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News
01 Jul 2020
Lenovo, top-of-the-world Chinese supercomputer supplier, sweeps all markets
Supercomputers are not just about computing power, they are a symbol of political ambition. Chinese supercomputer supplier Lenovo is now the dominant supplier across the world Continue Reading
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E-Zine
11 Jun 2020
CW Europe: 5G rush in Russia
Russian mobile operators are pooling their resources to help them overcome the technical challenges of creating 5G networks. Also read why Swedbank is rebuilding its anti-money laundering systems, and how a public-private partnership in the Netherlands is combating business email compromise fraud. Continue Reading
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News
09 Jun 2020
Netherlands digital sector yearns for government recognition
The sector building and supporting the Netherlands’ digital infrastructure wants to be valued as highly as Schiphol airport and the port of Rotterdam are for the Dutch economy Continue Reading
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News
04 Jun 2020
Dutch organisations invest heavily in compliance – but in vain
Despite the fact that companies in the Netherlands have invested heavily to comply with GDPR legislation introduced two years ago, 90% of them are still discovering fundamental weaknesses in their IT environment Continue Reading
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News
21 May 2020
Coronavirus: Dutch work on XR technology shows promise in pandemic scenario
Netherlands leads the way in the development of extended reality technology, which could prove its value in a crisis such as Covid-19 Continue Reading
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News
20 May 2020
Coronavirus: Pandemic spurs QR code app upgrade at PayPal
PayPal introduces QR code payment functionality to its mobile app to support social distancing Continue Reading
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News
13 May 2020
Report reveals inadequate cyber security at Schiphol Airport
A report has revealed problems with critical security systems in Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport Continue Reading
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E-Zine
07 May 2020
CW Benelux: IT budgets up in the air as Covid-19 disrupts business
Computer Weekly's annual IT priorities survey, which was carried out before the arrival of Covid-19 disrupted business plans, found that more than half of the IT leaders in the Benelux region expected budgets to be higher this year than last, and digital transformation would be the main recipient of budget increases. Also find out in this issue why fintechs are attracted to the Netherlands, and how Estonia emerged from Soviet rule to become a digital nation. Continue Reading
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News
05 May 2020
Coronavirus: Total outsourcing spending collapses in March
IT spending plunged in March, drastically reducing increases that had been expected in the EMEA region Continue Reading
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News
24 Apr 2020
Coronavirus: Dutch Covid-19 tracking app stirs national debate
Privacy concerns raised over mobile app to help track and control the spread of coronavirus in the Netherlands Continue Reading
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News
20 Apr 2020
Dutch organisations address business email compromise fraud
Public-private partnership in the Netherlands works to break the chains used by fraudsters to carry out BEC attacks Continue Reading
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News
09 Apr 2020
How Bolt plans to be more uber than Uber
Overcoming competitors with brand names that have become part of the modern vernacular is a challenge Estonia-based Bolt has set itself as it takes on Uber Continue Reading
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News
18 Mar 2020
Estonia offers digital tools to countries struggling with coronavirus school closures
Government and tech companies in Baltic state unite to offer advanced digital learning tools to other countries Continue Reading
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News
12 Mar 2020
IT Priorities 2020: Benelux organisations and budgets focused on digital transformation
IT leaders in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg expect bigger budgets this year, with spending on digital transformation projects and related technologies being prioritised Continue Reading
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E-Zine
12 Mar 2020
CW Europe: Experts examine Dutch government’s IT problems
Technology experts discuss the challenges and potential solutions to the Netherlands government’s IT problems. Also read how Russia’s VTB and Rostelecom are creating a platform to utilise big data technology, and how Spain’s CaixaBank is using AI to help its staff training. Continue Reading
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News
12 Mar 2020
Dutch landscape attracts fintech exploration
In 2019, the Netherlands had more than 450 companies active in financial technology. The country’s “polder model”, in which new and traditional companies work closely together, offers many opportunities for fintechs Continue Reading
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Opinion
03 Mar 2020
EC publishes approach to human and ethical implications of AI, but what will UK do?
The European Commission has published a guide to the EU’s approach to the human and ethical effects that artificial intelligence might bring Continue Reading
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News
26 Feb 2020
Thousands of UK entrepreneurs register businesses in Estonia since Brexit referendum
UK entrepreneurs are registering businesses in Estonia to make sure they can continue to trade freely in the EU Continue Reading
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News
25 Feb 2020
Mastercard creates 1,500 tech jobs in Ireland
New roles at tech hub in Dublin will include professionals with expertise in artificial intelligence, cyber security, blockchain and user experience Continue Reading
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News
19 Feb 2020
Dutch tech firm transforms real-life football through video game concept
Tech company that helped the Belgian football team in the last World Cup is changing the way footballers are scouted and teams are trained Continue Reading
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News
14 Feb 2020
Smart use of data takes Dutch railways further
De Nederlandse Spoorwegen (Dutch Railways), ensures, among other things, that 1.2 million train passengers arrive at their destination every day. Through a subsidiary, it’s using data to improve both the customer experience and internal processes Continue Reading
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E-Zine
13 Feb 2020
CW Benelux: Ericsson helps driverless buses hit European streets
Ericsson has revealed its plans for new technologies including 5G, the internet of things and self-driving buses. Also read about the Dutch government lacking the knowledge and skills for its own IT strategy, and the Dutch government’s need to push for an electronic ID system for its citizens. Continue Reading
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News
06 Feb 2020
Maastricht University pays €200,000 to Russian hackers
A Dutch university has taken the difficult decision to pay hundreds of thousands of Euros to Russian hackers that compromised its systems through a ransomware attack Continue Reading
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News
04 Feb 2020
Azimo gets loan from European Investment Bank to build cross-border payments infrastructure in EU
UK fintech gets validation from EIB through €20m loan which will contribute to building its smartphone app-based payments infrastructure Continue Reading
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News
03 Feb 2020
New jobs in Ireland as Brexit forces Revolut to migrate work from London
Brexit has pushed the financial technology firm into moving London jobs to Ireland Continue Reading
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News
03 Feb 2020
Cost-cutting and digital transformation spur increased European IT outsourcing in 2019
The need to rein in costs while digitally transforming has led to growth in traditional and as-a-service base outsourcing Continue Reading
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News
31 Jan 2020
Estonian CIO gives UK IT professionals hope as Brexit removes rights
Tech chief says Estonia’s door is open to UK IT professionals if they want to continue enjoying an EU lifestyle Continue Reading
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News
30 Jan 2020
Sorting out the Dutch government’s IT mess
Tech experts discuss the challenges and potential solutions to the Netherlands government’s IT problems Continue Reading
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News
24 Jan 2020
Cyber gangsters publish staff passwords following ‘Sodinokibi’ attack on car parts group Gedia
Sodinokibi hacking group steps up pressure on German automotive manufacturer by publishing information, including the CEO’s computer password and sensitive details of its IT systems, on the internet Continue Reading
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News
22 Jan 2020
UK and EU AI communities will only be globally significant if they work as one
The European Union and the UK will be left behind in artificial intelligence research and development if they take separate paths after Brexit Continue Reading
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News
21 Jan 2020
High-street banks face disruption three weeks after Travelex hack
Foreign exchange services still disrupted, three weeks after Travelex received a $6m ransom demand from cyber gangsters Continue Reading
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News
16 Jan 2020
UK’s phone and internet bulk data surveillance unlawful, says EU court opinion
The Advocate General of the European Court of Justice issues legal opinions finding that the UK, French and Belgian bulk surveillance regimes are unlawful Continue Reading
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News
13 Jan 2020
Travelex to begin restoring foreign exchange services two weeks after ‘Sodinokibi’ attack
Travelex says it is making “good progress” in its recovery and is to begin restoring electronic foreign exchange services, but is silent about whether it has agreed to pay hackers a $6m ransom to decrypt computer files Continue Reading
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News
09 Jan 2020
Travelex hackers threaten to sell credit card data on dark web
Sodinokibi cyber gangsters have threatened to sell Travelex customers’ private data on a Russian underground cyber crime forum if it fails to pay a $6m ransom Continue Reading
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News
06 Jan 2020
Cyber gangsters demand payment from Travelex after ‘Sodinokibi’ attack
Cyber criminals are demanding payment to decrypt Travelex’s computer files after a devastating malware attack. New questions have been raised about the security of Travelex’s computer network after it emerged the company waited eight months to patch vulnerable VPN servers Continue Reading
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News
03 Jan 2020
Suspected ransomware attack causes worldwide disruption for Travelex
Travelex switches off computer systems and resorts to cash-only currency sales after malware attack. Insiders claim the currency exchange chain has been hit by ransomware which has left critical files containing customer data encrypted Continue Reading
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News
30 Dec 2019
Top 10 enterprise IT in the Benelux region stories of 2019
Here are Computer Weekly’s top enterprise IT stories from the Benelux region over the past year Continue Reading
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News
19 Dec 2019
EU court opinion finds EU-US data transfers lawful but raises questions over Privacy Shield
The Advocate General of the European Court says standard contractual clauses are lawful, but raises questions over the impact of US surveillance on the legality of Privacy Shield Continue Reading
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E-Zine
12 Dec 2019
CW Europe: Deutsche Bank creates innovation division
German banking giant Deutsche Bank is opening a division focused on innovation which will be led by former SAP executive Bernd Leukert. It will create agile teams with business and infrastructure divisions leading teams of technologists, using agile principles. Also read why China’s Huawei has offered governments an anti-industrial espionage commitment, and how software robots are helping social workers in Sweden. Continue Reading
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News
11 Dec 2019
How can CIOs in Europe turn innovation into a competitive advantage?
CIOs across Europe are under pressure to innovate to help businesses grow and must think differently as a result Continue Reading
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News
10 Dec 2019
Autonomous ships on Dutch horizon
The Port of Rotterdam is creating an environment where autonomous ships will become the norm, through IoT and IBM Watson Continue Reading
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News
06 Dec 2019
Dutch government must sort IT mess as priority
Dutch government lacks the knowledge and skills for its own IT strategy, according to scathing report Continue Reading
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News
06 Dec 2019
Dutch government must facilitate and coordinate a broad eID system
The Dutch government should push for an electronic ID system for its citizens that works across the public and private sectors, according to a report Continue Reading
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News
21 Nov 2019
Collaboration is key to rapid adoption of govtech across Europe
Government technology is spreading across Europe, but policy-makers and senior civil servants are still figuring out best practices Continue Reading
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News
18 Nov 2019
Microsoft increases data protection for enterprises following Dutch MoJ audit
Last year’s audit by the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security got the attention of the European Data Protection Supervisor. Now Microsoft has reacted Continue Reading
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E-Zine
07 Nov 2019
CW Benelux: Dutch banks fight money laundering
Dutch banks are sharing expertise and resources to help reduce money laundering through their accounts. Also read in this issue how companies could lose loyal IT staff because salary rises do not match those at rival employers, and why a Dutch province is pioneering a no-code software development platform. Continue Reading
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News
14 Oct 2019
Best of VMworld 2019 Europe Awards nominations now open until 25 October
Read the criteria for the Best of VMworld 2019 Europe User Awards and find out how to submit your nomination for this year’s awards Continue Reading
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News
08 Oct 2019
Dutch AI Coalition wants to put the Netherlands on artificial intelligence map
To ensure the Netherlands keeps pace in the artificial intelligence race, an AI coalition has been formed to help organisations in the sector to collaborate Continue Reading
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News
01 Oct 2019
Dutch group works on digitising collaborator archives created in aftermath of World War 2
Experiments have been carried out to ascertain the best technology to open up the analogue archives of the Central Archive of Special Justice in the Netherlands Continue Reading
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News
27 Sep 2019
ABN Amro investigation lends weight to anti-money laundering collaboration by Dutch banks
Dutch authorities are investigating ABN Amro for possible failures to monitor and report potential money laundering activity Continue Reading
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News
24 Sep 2019
Amsterdam new-build datacentre ban is not an ‘attack’ on operators, says government
Dutch Data Center Association says a government official has offered written assurances that the temporary ban on new server farms in two areas of Amsterdam is just designed to spur adoption of sustainable growth habits Continue Reading
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News
17 Sep 2019
US lawmakers demand internal Facebook, Google, Apple and Amazon documents in antitrust probe
US lawmakers have given big tech companies a deadline to disclose a wide range of documents as the House Judiciary Committee’s bipartisan investigation into competition gathers pace Continue Reading
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News
13 Sep 2019
Dutch banks to work together in fight against money laundering
Dutch banks are sharing expertise and resources to help reduce money laundering through their accounts Continue Reading
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E-Zine
12 Sep 2019
CW Europe: Dutch authorities call temporary halt to datacentre construction
Two Dutch municipalities are putting all datacentre construction on hold while they put together a strategy to help them control developments. A local alderman said datacentres take up a lot of space and place a large burden on the electricity grid. Also read how France is racing ahead of Germany in making the most of service companies in India, and about Google’s plans for a new datacentre and technology training hub in Finland. Continue Reading
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News
09 Sep 2019
Loyal Dutch IT professionals not being rewarded enough, survey shows
Companies warned they could lose loyal IT staff because salary rises do not match those on offer from rival employers Continue Reading
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News
02 Sep 2019
Dutch virtual reality can help reduce teacher shortage worldwide
Dutch lecturer uses virtual reality to improve teaching and developments are being watched by the Teachers Task Force of Unesco Continue Reading
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News
15 Aug 2019
Dutch province pioneers no-code platform
Software development platform removes the need for expert programmers when adding functionality to applications Continue Reading
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News
14 Aug 2019
GDPR faces growing pains across Europe
The General Data Protection Regulation is over a year old now, but it faces challenges across Europe where compliance has taken place at different speeds Continue Reading
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E-Zine
08 Aug 2019
CW Benelux: Dutch academic hunts the personality behind the hacker
Rutger Leukfeldt, senior researcher on cyber crime at the Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement, is working to help organisations understand the personalities behind criminal hackers. Also in this issue, read about research that shows over half of Dutch organisations admit their knowledge of blockchain is substandard. We also feature an article about ABN Amro’s work with researchers to explore how quantum computing can be used to secure online banking. Continue Reading
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News
24 Jul 2019
Smart technology will transform Dutch neighbourhood
A programme in the Netherlands is creating a smart neighbourhood as a pilot for how people could live in the future Continue Reading
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News
16 Jul 2019
Dutch authorities temporarily halt datacentre construction
Two local authorities in the Netherlands have put the brakes on datacentre construction to give them time to put policies in place to gain more control over builds Continue Reading
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News
15 Jul 2019
Organisations turn to AI in race against cyber attackers
Businesses are racing to automate their defences as hackers and nation states launch increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks Continue Reading
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News
09 Jul 2019
Amsterdam’s datacentres face challenges to retain high growth
The Amsterdam datacentre market is growing rapidly, but the industry behind it must get on top of some burgeoning challenges Continue Reading
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News
03 Jul 2019
Why PSD2 adoption in the Netherlands is lagging behind
The Netherlands appears to be falling behind in open banking, even though the Dutch are digitally proficient and are often early adopters of new technology. What is going on? Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Jul 2019
Facebook’s privacy game – how Zuckerberg backtracked on promises to protect personal data
Facebook promised its users privacy then quietly abandoned its promises in pursuit of profits. Now it faces antitrust regulation Continue Reading
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News
27 Jun 2019
Dutch bank and researchers begin defence against quantum computing’s dark side
ABN Amro is working with QuTech to ensure that banks can protect data against quantum computers in the future Continue Reading
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News
25 Jun 2019
Half of Dutch IT decision-makers can’t explain blockchain technology
IT decision-makers in the Netherlands know that blockchain has significant benefits, but half don’t understand how to apply it Continue Reading
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News
19 Jun 2019
Luxembourg tech startups get premium connections
Luxembourg is at the centre of a continent with ambitious plans to develop a thriving tech industry, but what makes it different? Continue Reading
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Opinion
11 Jun 2019
Should tech companies capitalise R&D spending?
Technology companies frequently ask whether they should capitalise their research and development costs. There are clear benefits, increasing reported profit and hence potential valuations, but what are the risks? Continue Reading
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News
31 May 2019
Facebook loses bid to halt European court decision on EU-US data sharing
Irish Supreme Court dismisses attempt by Facebook to prevent the European Court of Justice considering the validity of US-EU data transfers, after Austrian lawyer Max Schrems argued that they put the privacy of EU citizens at risk Continue Reading
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News
28 May 2019
Dutch IT security firm dumps corporate structure
Boss of Netherlands-based Computest turns to self-management model to make company more nimble Continue Reading
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News
21 May 2019
Dutch lecturer researches the person behind the cyber criminal
Dutch academic is trying to get inside the mind of cyber criminals by understanding what makes them tick Continue Reading
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News
15 May 2019
Facebook engaged in ‘calculated’ campaign to eliminate competition, claims businessman
A US businessman is seeking damages from Facebook after accusing the social media company of unfairly blocking “humorous” Facebook pages which generated hundreds of thousands of dollars in advertising revenue Continue Reading
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News
10 May 2019
Dutch businesses not yet implementing NIS Directive
Little urgency to comply with the Network and Information Systems Security Act, which seeks to protect the Netherlands’ vital infrastructure and digital services from cyber attack Continue Reading
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News
09 May 2019
Facebook co-founder: ‘It is time to break up Facebook’
Co-founder of Facebook, Chris Hughes, has published an op-ed in The New York Times calling for Facebook to be broken up, as it faces investigations from the US Federal Trade Commission Continue Reading
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E-Zine
09 May 2019
CW Benelux: Netherlands offers young hackers re-education
Young hackers in the Netherlands are being rehabilitated through punishments that educate rather than incarcerate. Also read how almost 90% of businesses in the Netherlands are barely aware of the competitive advantages the IoT can offer them, and why Dutch sat-nav pioneer TomTom is focusing on the business-to-business sector. Continue Reading
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News
26 Apr 2019
Facebook faces fresh privacy actions from regulators
Facebook faces legal action from Canada after it dismissed regulators’ findings that it failed to protect customer privacy. The firm has set aside $5bn to settle a privacy action in the US and faces a new investigation in Ireland Continue Reading
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News
15 Apr 2019
Facebook takes extraordinary legal steps to contain document leak
Facebook targets journalists and news organisations for computer searches Continue Reading
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News
05 Apr 2019
Dutch government to make AI national priority
The Dutch government wants to increase its focus on the artificial intelligence sector, as other countries gain an advantage Continue Reading
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News
02 Apr 2019
Huawei reports record numbers despite tumultuous year
Huawei has become one of the world’s largest technology companies by revenue, suggesting the accusations over its ties to the Chinese government are failing to have much impact Continue Reading
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News
01 Apr 2019
Consumers still important as Dutch satnav pioneer maps B2B future
TomTom is focusing on the business-to-business sector, but its consumer base is an important part of its strategy Continue Reading
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News
18 Mar 2019
EU law enforcement agencies prepare for major cyber attacks
Law enforcement agencies across the European Union are preparing for major cross-border cyber attacks, says Europol Continue Reading
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News
14 Mar 2019
Met Police collaborated with US prosecutors in WikiLeaks investigation
The Metropolitan Police has confirmed it exchanged information on WikiLeaks staff in the UK with the US Department of Justice, which is conducting criminal investigations into the organisation Continue Reading
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E-Zine
08 Mar 2019
CW Europe: Robots deliver savings for Dutch postal service
In this issue we look at how Dutch delivery company PostNL is reaping huge efficiency savings by using robotic technology to automate time-consuming administrative tasks, Facebook’s opposition to the referral of questions about the legality of data transfers between Europe and the US to the European Court of Justice, and how Oslo is thriving from a unique combination of business agility, a cultural receptiveness to technology, and a social desire to do good. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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News
04 Mar 2019
UK among most expensive countries for mobile data
The UK ranks 136th in the world for the average cost of 1GB of mobile data, according to new statistics Continue Reading
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News
02 Mar 2019
Facebook asked George Osborne to influence EU data protection law
Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg invited one of the chancellor’s children to Facebook’s office as part of a intensive lobbying programme to influence European data protection legislation Continue Reading
