New police powers to tackle online-driven public disorder in the Netherlands
The Dutch government is expanding police powers to monitor online activity linked to public disturbances. This move aims to prevent riots and unrest by allowing authorities to gather data from social media and public platforms, impacting how protests and disruptions are managed.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| New Powers | Police can collect online data from public sources and personal accounts. |
| Condition | Reasonable suspicion of involvement in serious public order disruptions. |
| Authority | Mayor must obtain a warrant from an investigating judge. |
| Examples of Disruptions | Malieveld riots (Sept 2025), Scheveningen Boulevard riots (May 2025). |
| Minister Responsible | Minister Van Weel (Justice and Security). |
| Next Step | Draft bill submitted to the Council of State for advice. |
The Ministry of Justice and Security oversees law enforcement policies in the Netherlands, ensuring public safety and order. This draft bill reflects the government's response to evolving threats, particularly those organized online, to maintain authority and prevent escalation.
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external link to whydonate.comRead the full translated article below
Cabinet strengthens approach to serious public order disturbances with new police powers
The cabinet is granting the police additional powers to prevent (potential) serious disruptions to public order. The Council of Ministers has approved the proposal by Minister Van Weel of Justice and Security. With the draft bill on Data Collection for Public Order, the cabinet aims to improve the information position of both the police and the mayor. The draft bill will now be submitted to the Council of State for advice.
Minister Van Weel: "Serious disruptions to public order are increasingly incited and organized via social media and other online platforms. It is therefore essential that the police are allowed to gather online information in order to intervene in a timely manner. With this, the cabinet is taking a step forward in strengthening authority on the streets."
New powers
The draft bill grants the police two additional powers to collect online data from publicly accessible sources. These include gathering personal data from the public part of the internet and collecting online data from individuals and their public accounts. There must be reasonable suspicion that these individuals play a significant role in a (potential) serious disruption of public order. For example, if there are indications that riots are about to break out, such as the Malieveld riots last September or the riots on Scheveningen Boulevard last May, the police can collect the necessary online data to intervene in a timely manner and prevent or stop the disruption. The police will exercise these powers under the authority and responsibility of the mayor.
Safeguards
The draft bill includes robust safeguards due to its potential significant impact on individuals' lives. The mayor requires a warrant from the investigating judge to deploy these powers. Additionally, there is a strict regime governing the processing of the collected personal data.