The new Dutch Prime Minister, Dick Schoof, has introduced a strict policy banning cell phones and other mobile devices from weekly Cabinet meetings, aiming to prevent the risk of digital eavesdropping by foreign spies.
This move is a direct response to the increasing concerns about espionage, especially targeting the Netherlands’ high-tech sector.
Schoof, who took office in July 2024, announced the new measure during a press briefing on Friday. The decision reflects his deep understanding of security risks, honed through years of experience in intelligence.
“The threat of espionage is timeless,” Schoof explained. “Electronic devices, a telephone, iPad, are all little microphones, and countries are interested in decision-making, also in the Netherlands. You want to prevent that. It’s a very simple measure—all the phones in a safe.”
This policy marks a clear departure from the practices of Schoof’s predecessor, Mark Rutte, who led the Netherlands for over a decade before leaving politics after the November 2023 general election.
Rutte, known for his more laid-back approach to technology during meetings, only enforced a phone ban when sensitive security topics were discussed.
However, Schoof’s background in intelligence has made him more cautious, prompting him to implement this blanket ban on mobile devices during all official Cabinet meetings, including the weekly Council of Ministers.
Schoof is no stranger to the world of espionage and national security. Before becoming the prime minister, he served as the head of the Dutch intelligence services from 2018 to 2020 and was the top civil servant in the Justice and Security Ministry.
His extensive experience in these roles has undoubtedly influenced his current approach to governance, particularly his emphasis on preventing foreign espionage.
“Maybe I have a bit more experience with that sort of thing,” Schoof remarked, referring to his background in intelligence. “So for me, that was a completely natural measure. And I found that all members of the Cabinet actually agreed immediately.”
Schoof’s administration is currently working on a detailed policy blueprint, which is expected to be unveiled next month.
The decision to ban mobile devices in government meetings comes amid growing concerns about espionage in the Netherlands. Erik Akerboom, the current chief of the General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD), has repeatedly warned about the increasing threat of espionage, particularly from China.
In an interview with the Associated Press, Akerboom highlighted the persistent attempts by foreign powers to steal valuable information from the Netherlands, especially in the high-tech sector.
“We see that every day they try to steal that from the Netherlands,” Akerboom said, emphasizing the constant vigilance required to protect sensitive information.
