nuNov 9, 2026, 14:57

VPRO launches digital emergency kit to improve digital self-reliance

VPRO has released a digital emergency kit designed to help citizens understand their reliance on technology and improve their digital self-sufficiency. Inspired by a documentary on systemic technological vulnerabilities, the kit offers educational content rather than acting as a replacement for official emergency supplies.

The Dutch broadcaster VPRO has introduced a digital emergency kit aimed at increasing public awareness regarding digital dependency and self-reliance. Available for download on their official website, the kit includes episodes from programs such as Plakshot and De week van Merijn. The organization clarifies that this resource serves as an educational starting point rather than a replacement for official government-advised emergency protocols. The initiative follows the release of a Bureau Buitenland special titled De week dat niks meer werkt, which explores the continent's vulnerability to technological failures. Hosted on NPO Start, the program features investigations by journalist Sophie Derkzen and privacy expert Ot van Daalen. They analyze the risks associated with Europe's heavy reliance on technology from China and the United States, highlighting a plausible scenario where major digital systems could collapse within a week, thereby severely impacting modern societal functions.

Technology Culture Netherlands

Read original ↗

Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Screen time | AI clones, generating podcasts: how human does journalism remain?

The integration of AI into journalism is raising significant questions about the future of the profession, as media organizations experiment with AI-cloned presenters and automated content production. While some view these tools as efficient aids for data analysis and editing, critics caution against the risks of misinformation, job loss, and the loss of human nuance in reporting.

PRO wants an end to online manipulation: Boys are being aggressively targeted by gambling sites

Member of Parliament Barbara Kathmann is introducing a bill to combat addictive digital algorithms and manipulative practices that target young people. The legislation aims to restrict features like endless scrolling and predatory marketing by gambling sites to protect the mental health of users.

For his hacker film, Thijs Meuwese (39) worked with cybersecurity experts: 'All hacks were performed for real'

Director Thijs Meuwese is premiering his new thriller PH1SHed_ at the Imagine Film Festival, a story about a hacker uncovering corporate corruption. The film features technically authentic hacking processes developed with cybersecurity experts and explores themes of neurodivergence and social representation.

Media companies send urgent letter about 'TV boxes': 'This has grown into a cross-border business model'

Major Dutch media companies have called on government ministers to address the widespread and growing issue of illegal streaming devices and services. They argue that these illicit platforms threaten legal media revenues, endanger consumer data through malware and fraud, and require urgent, coordinated governmental action.

Customer data from Topgeschenken and Topbloemen stolen in cyberattack

The companies Topgeschenken and Topbloemen suffered a data breach after unauthorized access to their IT systems was detected on November 5. Personal information including names, addresses, and birth dates was stolen, though no financial data was compromised.