- SIDN, which manages the .NL domain registry for over 6 million websites, plans to move part of its operations to Amazon Web Services (AWS), sparking widespread criticism.
- Critics argue this move threatens the security, stability, and autonomy of Dutch and European internet infrastructure, as it outsources a critical national service to a US cloud giant.
- SIDN claims no European cloud provider can meet its needs, but this assertion is unverified and contradicts the successful self-management of domains by other European countries like France and Germany.
- The decision appears commercially driven: SIDN aims to enter the lucrative Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) market, partnering with Canada's CIRA, rather than focusing on its core registry duties.
- Outsourcing to AWS increases dependency on a US company, risks loss of technical expertise in Europe, and could lead to service disruptions where SIDN would have little leverage.
- As a private foundation, SIDN is not directly under government control, but a covenant with the state requires consultation; the lack of transparency and oversight has prompted parliamentary attention.
- The article calls for stronger political oversight to prevent further erosion of European digital sovereignty and to ensure critical infrastructure remains under local control.