WILLEMSTAD – Growing dependence on a small number of powerful international technology companies could undermine government control over essential digital services, weaken democratic accountability and create serious national security risks, according to the Netherlands' 2026 National Security Risk Assessment.
The report, prepared by the National Security Analysts Network (ANV), examines how technological dependence could become a vulnerability as governments increasingly rely on private companies for digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence.
One of the assessment's four combined scenarios, titled “The Dark Sides of Big Tech,” explores a hypothetical situation in which a dominant technology company gains extensive influence over digital systems throughout the Western world.
In the scenario, the company introduces artificial intelligence into numerous systems, including those used by government institutions.
As dependence increases, public authorities gradually lose control over the technology on which important decisions and services depend.
The researchers examine how this could affect government accountability, individual freedoms and public confidence.
The scenario describes a society in which the company places increasing emphasis on monitoring and evaluating human behavior in the name of security.
This creates fear and distrust among citizens, while the use of privately controlled algorithms influences access to public services and information.
According to the assessment, the consequences could be catastrophic for several national security interests.
The researchers identify risks to territorial security, economic stability, the democratic rule of law and the international system.
One of the principal concerns is that decisions traditionally made by accountable public institutions could become increasingly dependent on algorithms controlled by a private company.
This would raise questions about transparency, oversight and the ability of governments to explain or challenge automated decisions.
The report also warns that excessive market concentration could damage economic competition.
Smaller businesses could be displaced, while innovation might decline as a dominant technology provider gains control over essential systems.
The hypothetical scenario additionally considers how the concentration of digital power could affect access to information and the functioning of democratic institutions.
The assessment does not suggest that a particular technology company has already achieved the level of control described.
Instead, it uses the scenario to illustrate the potential consequences of allowing critical public functions to become excessively dependent on private digital providers.
Although the scenario primarily examines the Netherlands, the report's broader analysis applies to the entire Kingdom, including Curaçao.
The researchers emphasize that international dependencies can become sources of vulnerability when governments lack practical alternatives.
For smaller administrations, the findings raise questions about the resilience of government information systems, contractual arrangements with technology providers and the ability to maintain public services during a major digital disruption.
The report does not assess Curaçao's existing government technology contracts or conclude that the island's public institutions are currently subject to the hypothetical conditions described.
However, it identifies technological dependence as a strategic issue requiring attention when governments consider their long-term security and resilience.