Parliament wants to know how Cabinet is blocking foreign influence

A broad majority in the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of the Dutch parliament, is demanding that the government explain how it plans to counter foreign influence on social media and take stronger steps, even as lawmakers disagree on how far restrictions should go without harming free speech.

The debate in the Tweede Kamer centered on concerns that major social media platforms are not complying with existing laws and that foreign actors can still influence public debate and elections through those systems. While not all parties share the same level of concern, most lawmakers called for additional measures to reduce manipulation risks.

Barbara Kathmann of PRO questioned the government’s approach to enforcement against large tech companies. “We are all getting screwed over. When are we finally going to enforce total transparency?” she said. Kathmann argued that a solution is already within reach, insisting that social media companies themselves already hold the necessary information. “All information needed to stop foreign influence is already at those companies.”

Daniël van den Berg of JA21 acknowledged the risks of foreign interference but warned that countermeasures could easily cross into limits on free expression. “We must be cautious with censorship and steering discussions,” he said.

Tijs van den Brink of CDA challenged that position directly, asking: “Do you not see dangers around social media, foreign interference and elections?” Van den Berg responded that he does see those risks, but insisted that responses should not come at the expense of freedom of expression. Kathmann later said Van den Berg was “intentionally downplaying” the problem.

Dogukan Ergin of DENK and Sarah el Boujdaini of D66 also urged the government to take stronger action against foreign interference and raised concerns about the role of addictive algorithms used by large tech companies in amplifying harmful influence.

State Secretary Willemijn Aerdts, responsible for Digital Sovereignty for D66, acknowledged concerns about social media companies failing to comply with the law. “The simple answer to this is fines, but I share the concerns. So far, those companies are not exactly lining up to make efforts,” she said.

Kathmann and Ergin both argued that additional regulations alone are insufficient because companies are unlikely to comply without stronger enforcement. “The cabinet must take a stronger position, also in Europe,” Ergin said. Kathmann called for consequences beyond fines, while Aerdts responded that any stricter measures would first need to be discussed at the European level.

Separately, Minister of the Interior Pieter Heerma said that structural detection of foreign interference is currently lacking. He announced plans to establish a detection organization to address the gap, saying the Netherlands intends to learn from countries such as Taiwan and Sweden, which he said are further along in developing such systems.