Dutch government opens nationwide dialogue on online discrimination

The Dutch government announced on 8 October that it is starting a nationwide dialogue on online discrimination and hate. It wants the discussions to raise awareness and produce recommendations for tackling the problem. [1]

People can respond to questions and suggest topics at Praatmeemetdeoverheid.nl. The government also plans small-group panel and dialogue meetings around the country, where participants can share experiences and discuss solutions. It has not announced dates or venues. The government says online participants can remain anonymous; those wishing to attend in person can register through the same website. Places will be allocated by lottery if demand exceeds capacity. [1]

The government says the dialogue will run until the end of 2027, with its findings to be included in a public report containing policy recommendations. It has not given a publication date for the report. The initiative forms part of a wider government plan that also addresses support for victims, reporting facilities, enforcement and encouraging bystanders to act. [1]

Citing the Dutch statistics agency CBS, the government says more than 580,000 people experienced online discrimination or hate in 2024. It also says more than half of people in the Netherlands aged over 15 saw negative, discriminatory or insulting posts on social media that year. The latter figure measures exposure to posts, not the number of victims. [1]