Dutch group seeks court block on U.S. takeover of DigiD provider

A group of Dutch technology experts, journalists, and scientists is asking a court to recognize them as stakeholders so they can force the government to block the planned takeover of the Dutch IT service provider Solvinity by the American company Kyndryl.

The effort comes even as the cabinet recently extended Solvinity’s contract to run DigiD, despite resistance from a parliamentary majority.

Solvinity is the company that ensures DigiD can run. The opponents fear that citizens' confidential data could fall into the hands of American authorities if Kyndryl acquires the firm as planned.

Prominent opponents include Eric Smit, Joris Luyendijk, Sander Schimmelpenninck, Karin Spaink, and Maxim Februari. The foundations Privacy First and The Firewall are also participating.

The group had previously made its objections known to Minister Heleen Herbert of Economic Affairs. She finds that the group is not a stakeholder in the takeover and therefore does not need to be involved.