- The Dutch government is outsourcing the entire VAT system to the American company FAST Enterprises, including software, servers, and full management.
- The Dutch tax authority (Belastingdienst) will lose control over the system, as FAST handles everything from maintenance to administration, with no access for Dutch officials.
- This arrangement is described as 'shadow IT' that bypasses the official IT department of the tax authority, contradicting internal policies.
- Risks include potential US government access to sensitive data (via the CLOUD Act), vulnerability to US sanctions, and a loss of digital sovereignty.
- The Dutch parliament was not fully informed about the extent of outsourcing, raising concerns about incomplete or misleading communication.
- Critics argue the project must be stopped immediately, as it undermines national security and independence.