.NL domain registration transferred to US cloud

The .nl domain registration system has been transferred to Amazon Web Services (AWS), a U.S. cloud provider.  The Network Institute and others have signed an open letter instigated by the Internet Society Netherlands (ISOC NL), expressing our disappointment with the decision.

This transfer undermines the digital sovereignty and independence of the Netherlands. We also question the transparency and legitimacy of the decision-making process and the compliance with SIDN’s covenant with the Dutch government. The letter calls for SIDN to reconsider this decision and to engage in an open dialogue with all stakeholders, including the Dutch registrars who fund SIDN’s operations. In addition, we urge for a preference towards European or local providers that can guarantee the digital autonomy of the Netherlands.