Until two years ago, the Chamber of Deputies dealt with digital issues in various parliamentary commissions. But with the arrival of the Standing Committee on Digital Affairs, an integrated approach has finally arrived. And as a result, the debate about the role of digitization within government is truly being taken to a higher level. This is what SP member of parliament Renske Leijten says in BNR’s Big Five.
From body cams to the police to algorithms to the taxman: everything is finally discussed centrally in the new committee. And that certainly benefits politics, says Leijten. The new committee aims to centralize debates on the effects of digitization on access to government and human rights, among other things.
“MPs always want to score, but the drive to score for image is less great.”
Clear vision
Since the committee was set up two years ago, it can be seen that the debate on digitization within the government and, for example, on the role of platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Amazon has really reached a higher level, says Leijten. It has since become easier to come to a clear view, whether or not you agree with that view. ‘In any case, it will be covered in its entirety. And Europe’s politics are no longer discussed ad hoc, but in that committee».
The secret lies mainly in the vast experience within the committee. It is made up of specialists from very different political groups, without having a very high profile within the commission. ‘MPs always want to score, but the drive to score for image is less great. This ensures that the content really does its job. Opposition and coalition MPs are really thinking about what they can do in the field of cybersecurity.’
General budget
Improving the relationship between government and ICT starts with an integrated budget. This allows you to better control your expenses and learn from past mistakes. Of course you can ask yourself why this hasn’t happened sooner. But the most important thing, according to Leijten, is that it happened in the last two years. ‘I see a huge change of plan there. Not everyone sees it, but it happens.’
Listen to the full conversation here
Source: BNR
Fernando Dowling is an author and political journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. He has a deep understanding of the political landscape and a passion for analyzing the latest political trends and news.
