Technology journalist and AI researcher. Former software engineer turned writer, covering the intersection of artificial intelligence, startups, and digital society.
Dutch privacy groups are taking Meta to court to stop sales of its AI camera glasses after hundreds of women were secretly filmed. An emergency ruling could come as soon as this week — and it could set a precedent for surveillance wearables in the Netherlands.
The Dutch minority cabinet has made a new offer to opposition parties to secure budget support, including scrapping social security cuts and adjusting box 3 tax. For expats, this affects taxes, housing, and regional transport. Meanwhile, a report on neglected asylum children and a warning about right-wing extremism add to the political pressure.
The Dutch cabinet is set to spare small savers from a harsher wealth tax after backlash, and has permanently dropped social security cuts. The minority government is negotiating with opposition parties to secure a budget majority, with a formal letter due next week. For expats, the box 3 reforms and benefit protections are the key takeaways.
The Dutch minority cabinet has scrapped planned cuts to disability and unemployment benefits, but is pushing a new wealth tax (box 3) that will hit more savers and investors from 2028 by lowering the tax-free allowance. Opposition parties are divided, and a final deal awaits a ministerial letter due next week. For expats, this means potential changes to their tax obligations and social security safety net.
The Dutch minority cabinet has proposed scrapping €3 billion in social security cuts and adjusting the wealth tax (box 3) to win opposition support for the 2027 budget. For expats, this means no immediate changes to disability or unemployment benefits, and a potentially milder tax on savings and investments. The budget gap is pushed to spring 2027.
The minority cabinet is scrambling for opposition support for its 2027 budget after a contentious Prinsjesdag. Meanwhile, a damning report reveals 7,000 children in asylum emergency shelters are being structurally neglected, and plans to shorten unemployment benefits will barely boost employment. For expats, the political uncertainty could affect social security and housing.
The Dutch cabinet has proposed a draft law granting the AIVD and MIVD broader powers to track foreign adversaries without prior approval, citing increased threats. The law would force platforms and banks to share data, and includes a state-of-emergency provision. For expats, this means potential shifts in privacy and data handling, with oversight through a post-hoc watchdog.
The minority cabinet survives a turbulent Prinsjesdag but faces a crisis of trust, struggling to fund welfare, breaking with the BBB, and confronting a damning report on asylum children. For expats, the political instability affects benefits, housing, and the future of Dutch policy.
Prinsjesdag 2026 was marked by protests and a fragile minority cabinet. The budget debate is uncertain, and the government is struggling to fund the legal right to welfare. For expats, this means potential changes to toeslagen and benefits, but the system remains functional.
Minister David van Weel says he cannot legally extend police data retention beyond ten years for cold cases, despite broad parliamentary support. He plans to study EU approaches and talk to the privacy watchdog, but the law remains unchanged for now.
The Dutch cabinet has proposed a law giving AIVD and MIVD more freedom to track foreign spies and hackers without prior approval. Expats may face incidental data sharing by banks and platforms, with oversight only after operations.