Leading up to the elections, Techzine examines the digitally related positions of all major political parties. In the first installment of this series, we provide an overview of the election program of D66, a prominent Dutch political party. D66 unveiled its draft election program at the end of September. From this program, we will highlight several pertinent passages that reflect the party’s stances.
D66, also known as Democrats 66, positions itself as a progressive and pro-European party with a strong focus on innovation and technology. The party emphasizes the importance of digitalization and aims to harness its potential for the benefit of society and the economy.
One of the key pillars of D66’s digital agenda is ensuring access to high-quality digital infrastructure for all citizens. The party believes that reliable and fast internet should be considered a basic necessity in today’s society. To achieve this, D66 advocates for investments in the expansion of broadband networks, particularly in rural areas where connectivity can be limited. They also aim to promote competition among internet service providers to drive innovation and affordability.
Furthermore, D66 places great importance on digital literacy and skills development. They argue that in order to fully participate in the digital age, individuals must have the necessary knowledge and capabilities. Therefore, the party proposes initiatives to improve digital education in schools and lifelong learning programs for adults. By equipping people with digital skills, D66 aims to empower citizens and bridge the digital divide.
Protecting privacy and data security is another focal point for D66. The party recognizes the value of personal data and the need to safeguard it from abuse. D66 advocates for stricter regulations and enforcement mechanisms to ensure responsible data handling by both public and private entities. Additionally, they propose empowering individuals with more control over their personal data through measures such as improved consent mechanisms and enhanced transparency requirements.
In terms of digital governance, D66 supports the establishment of a European Digital Authority. This authority would be responsible for overseeing and coordinating digital policies within the European Union. D66 believes that a unified approach to digital regulation and standards is crucial in order to foster innovation, protect citizens’ rights, and ensure fair competition.
D66’s draft election program reflects their commitment to utilizing technology and digitalization as tools for societal progress. By prioritizing digital infrastructure, skills development, privacy protection, and collaborative governance, the party aims to position the Netherlands at the forefront of the digital era. As the elections draw near, it will be interesting to see how D66’s digital agenda resonates with voters and shapes the discourse on the future of technology in Dutch society.
