The plan proposed by SIDN to migrate the domain registration system for the .nl domain to AWS has drawn criticism from Michel van Eeten, a professor of Public Administration and cybersecurity expert at TU Delft. According to him, this decision is ill-advised as there are plenty of Dutch cloud services capable of hosting the system, and SIDN also has a public accountability obligation.
Van Eeten argues that there is no need to rely on an external cloud provider like AWS when there are viable alternatives within the Netherlands. Moving the domain registration system to a local cloud service would not only ensure data sovereignty but also contribute to the country’s digital infrastructure. It is essential to consider national interests and support domestic technology providers whenever possible.
Additionally, as a public organization responsible for managing the .nl domain, SIDN has a duty to be transparent and accountable to the Dutch public. By migrating the registration system to a foreign cloud, such as AWS, concerns may arise regarding data privacy and security. Hosting sensitive information in a foreign jurisdiction could potentially expose it to different legal frameworks and surveillance practices, raising questions about who ultimately has control over Dutch domain registrations. Therefore, Van Eeten emphasizes the importance of maintaining the system within the country to uphold public trust and ensure compliance with Dutch regulations.
Moreover, hosting the registration system domestically enables easier collaboration and coordination with relevant stakeholders. In the event of any technical issues or policy changes, having the system located within the country facilitates effective communication between SIDN, Dutch authorities, and other involved parties. This close proximity fosters a stronger sense of ownership and allows for swift resolution of any operational challenges that may arise.
While cloud migration can offer benefits such as scalability and cost-efficiency, it is crucial to carefully evaluate the implications and trade-offs associated with such a move. SIDN must weigh the potential advantages of using a popular cloud provider like AWS against the long-term interests of the Dutch internet infrastructure and its users. Considering the concerns raised by Van Eeten, it would be prudent for SIDN to explore alternative options within the Netherlands before finalizing its decision on the migration of the .nl domain registration system.
In conclusion, the plan put forth by SIDN to migrate the .nl domain registration system to AWS has been met with criticism from cybersecurity expert Michel van Eeten. He argues that relying on a foreign cloud provider raises concerns about data sovereignty and public accountability. Van Eeten suggests exploring domestic cloud services as a more viable solution to ensure compliance with Dutch regulations and maintain control over sensitive information. Ultimately, SIDN should carefully assess the potential implications and seek input from relevant stakeholders before proceeding with the migration.
