THE HAGUE – The new Dutch prime minister has implemented a bold strategy to secure the confidentiality of Cabinet discussions by banning cell phones and other mobile devices from weekly meetings. This move is designed to mitigate the risk of digital eavesdropping by foreign spies.

Former head of the national intelligence agency, Dick Schoof, emphasized the timelessness of the espionage threat. He stated, “Electronic devices, such as phones and iPads, can act as microphones that foreign countries may exploit for intelligence gathering purposes. By mandating that all phones be stored in a secure location during meetings, we can prevent such breaches of security.”

Under Schoof’s predecessor, Mark Rutte, phones were permitted during Cabinet meetings. However, following the recent general election victory by the radical right Party for Freedom led by Geert Wilders, Schoof assumed office and adopted a more stringent security approach.

Erik Akerboom, the current chief of the General Intelligence and Security Service, raised concerns about espionage activities targeting the Netherlands, particularly in the high-tech sector. Akerboom highlighted the persistent attempts by foreign entities, including China, to steal intellectual property and sensitive information from Dutch institutions.

Schoof’s government is actively developing a comprehensive policy blueprint to address these security challenges. This initiative reflects a proactive stance against espionage threats and underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding national interests.