Today, the House of Representatives approved the bill from Secretary of State Szabó (Digitalization and Kingdom Relations) that enables the introduction of the citizen service number (BSN) and provisions of the digital government in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba.
Secretary of State Szabó: “Everyone in the Netherlands has the right to good government services. The introduction of the BSN is an important first step to improve digital government services for residents of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. Only with a secure system for the identification of individuals and a strong digital government can we ensure a future where everyone can easily, reliably, and safely arrange matters with the government, at the counters and online.”
Better Government Services
The bill makes it possible for residents of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba to receive a BSN, and local governments are allowed to use the BSN and DigiD. With a BSN, residents can apply for DigiD and log in to government websites. This will enable residents of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba to increasingly arrange matters online with local governments in the future. Residents can also immediately arrange matters online with governments and organizations in European Netherlands that are connected to DigiD. This is particularly useful for prospective students who can arrange their affairs for their studies in European Netherlands even faster with a BSN. The BSN is a unique and privacy-friendly personal number.
Safe and Accessible
The BSN and the Digital Government Act (Wdo) will be gradually implemented within the existing systems and processes in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. Residents will first receive a BSN, and the numbers will be registered in the local population registers. In the coming years, more government organizations can transition to using the BSN and DigiD once the systems have been adjusted.
For organizations that wish to connect to DigiD, the same security requirements as in European Netherlands will apply. In the future, there will also be a mandatory self-assessment for the governing bodies to annually investigate the safety and reliability of the population registration. Additionally, it is important that residents receive good information about the introduction of the BSN and new online government services.
Amendments
The House also approved the amendments regarding the BES identity card and the mandatory use of data submitted by members White and Kathmann (Groenlinks-PvdA) with the law. The amendment regarding the mandatory use of data stipulates that government organizations must use the personal data of the public body. They are also required to report incorrect data to the responsible governing body.
The amendment regarding the BES identity card ensures that in the long term, the BSN will be included on the identity card (sédula), allowing citizens to always have the number at hand.
Next Steps in the Senate
The bill is now submitted to the Senate. If the Senate approves, the legislative changes will be final. It is expected that residents of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba will receive a BSN in 2025.