Jim Killock

Jim Killock

@jim.killock.org.uk

I work at @openrightsgroup [bridged from https://social.openrightsgroup.org/@jim on the fediverse by https://fed.brid.gy/ ]

128 followers13 following234 posts

Jim Killock
@jim.killock.org.uk

Today, I'll be speaking on Panel 3, Age-limiting the Internet at Getting Bill C-34 Right. I'll be chatting about how it has gone in the #UK Details: nccm.ca/event/ #onlinesafety #onlinesafetyact

Jim Killock
@jim.killock.org.uk

Fantastic news from the Netherlands! #digitalsovereignty https://www.zdnet.com/business/dutch-tax-authorities-cancel-microsoft-365-cloud-

zdnet.comDutch tax authorities cancel Microsoft 365 cloud rollout – and turn toward open source### ZDNET’s key takeaways * The Netherlands stopped a government agency’s shift to Microsoft 365. * The drive toward an open-source, digital sovereignty approach continues. * What the Netherlands will move to next is quite vague. * * * The Netherlands’ Tax and Customs Administration has abandoned its planned Microsoft 365 public-cloud rollout. Why? The reasons were clear at the Open Source Summit Europe conference, where the Linux Foundation (LF) released the 2026 State of Open Source in Europe. In it, the nonprofit, pro-open-source organization revealed that 94% of European Union (EU) organizations say digital sovereignty is important, with 61% considering it very important. As Thierry Carrez, the Linux Foundation Europe GM, said in his keynote, “Europe has clearly heard the message on digital sovereignty.” Trending Now I tried the free Microsoft Word clone on Linux – and it’s my new default (on Mac too) 10/14/2026 My top 5 Linux server distros for your home network – and they’re all free 10/14/2026 Windows update patches a whopping 1,400 security bugs – including 2 zero days 10/14/2026 In an interview onstage at the summit, Nithya Ruff, chair of the LF board, added that it’s not just Europe: “Digital sovereignty is a need that the entire world feels, whether it’s Sierra Leone or the US or China.” More from ZDNET ## **The Netherlands isn’t alone** It’s not just the Dutch tax collectors, though. The Netherlands is also exploring switching from Windows and proprietary software to Linux and open-source programs across the board** _._** That follows the Swiss military and other agencies announcing they were moving to Linux and openDesk, a German open-source office suite. Before that, European governments shifting to Linux included Austria, France, Germany, and Ireland. **Also:Windows October update patches a whopping 1,400 security bugs – including 2 zero days** Indeed, according to the LF Europe report, 94% of organizations care about AI as much as they do about digital sovereignty. We all know how businesses are moving to AI as fast as they can. Outside the States, the move to digital sovereignty is garnering just as much support. The Netherlands had planned to switch to Microsoft 365 in 2025. The idea then was to complete the rollout by the end of 2026. About 5,000 employees had already migrated when the Dutch Advisory Council on ICT Assessment recommended reversing the public-cloud rollout in June. The government paused the plan in July; the latest announcement replaces that rollout with an on-premises/open-source approach. The Tax and Customs Administration isn’t replacing all of Microsoft Office with a single open-source suite, at least not yet. Instead, the government will keep the existing Microsoft software for now. Looking ahead, State Secretary for Finance Eelco Eerenberg set out the replacement timetable in a letter to Parliament: “In 2027, the provision for mail and calendar will be realized on-premises. Later in 2027 and 2028, European open-source solutions for personal storage and collaboration will follow. This allows us to work toward a sustainable and more autonomous solution for these functionalities.” ## **Why the Netherlands pulled back** The ICT assessment found that the chosen Microsoft 365 public-cloud design fell short on “information security, information processing and future-proofing.” Another key concern was preserving data confidentiality and control. In particular, the ICT assessment raised concerns about sending confidential documents through American servers rather than the government networks previously used. The Dutch government is also concerned about 365’s encryption. The proposed 365 setup relied on standard Microsoft encryption rather than Double Key Encryption. The latter would have given the administration greater control. Another worry was that end-to-end encryption wouldn’t have been enabled by default for one-to-one Teams calls. This has long concerned the Netherlands government. On top of that, it would have been unavailable for group calls under the selected configuration. These were criticisms of the deployment design, not claims that every Microsoft 365 configuration has identical disadvantages. **Also:Got a Microsoft 365 subscription? Your storage is about to shrink** Finally, the assessment identified vendor lock-in, reduced flexibility, concerns about digital sovereignty, and the absence of an adequate exit strategy as showstopping issues. In my view, based on my coverage of the European Union’s push for digital sovereignty, they don’t trust American companies under the current US government. ## **What’s next** For now, the on-premises email/calendar environment will still use Microsoft software, including Outlook. The open-source portion concerns personal storage and collaboration, not a wholesale replacement of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or the entire desktop environment. What exactly will this look like? We don’t know yet. No particular open-source programs or software stacks have been chosen yet. What we do know, though, is that other Dutch government agencies have started developing Digitaal Autonome Werkomgeving Overheid (DAWO), which translates to “Digital Autonomous Work Environment for Government.” DAWO starts by replacing the Windows desktop with the Dutch Linux distribution NixOS. **Also:I tried the free Microsoft Word clone on Linux – and it’s my new default (on Mac too)** On top of NixOS, France’s La Suite and Germany’s openDesk are being considered for the desktop suite. Another possibility is that the Netherlands will move to a homebrew of MijnBureau. This self-hosted suite combines open-source projects, including Nextcloud for storage and collaboration, Collabora for office documents, Element for messaging, and OpenProject for work management. This is a more ready-to-run office suite than what I’d call a Netherlands agency’s built-from-scratch “Dutch Office” suite. Still, while the replacement details remain foggy, Dutch tax authorities have canceled the Microsoft 365 cloud rollout in favor of an on-premises email/groupware suite, followed by a full-fledged open-source office suite. Show Comments Log In to Comment * Log Out Community Guidelines Please accept cookies to view the comments powered by Disqus. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Steven Vaughan-Nichols Senior Contributing Editor Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols is a freelance writer and technology analyst. Besides ZDNET, he works with Foundry (Formerly IDG Communications), The Register, The New Stack, TechStrong, and Cathey Communications. He does not own stocks or other investments in any technology company. See full bio ### The Latest from Steven * Linus Torvalds is using AI to develop Linux kernel code now * Dutch tax authorities cancel Microsoft 365 cloud rollout – and turn toward open source * ‘I use AI to do the things that I’m bad at’: Linus Torvalds on why it works for him ## / latest ### The best headphones and earbuds of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed ### NordVPN’s CTO on redefining antivirus for the AI era, and his dream security tool ### Visual learner? Ask ChatGPT to respond with interactive images – it’s a game-changer ### Google’s new Fitbit Edge solves my biggest gripe with the Pixel Watch

Jim Killock reposted

Carole Cadwalladr
@carolecadwalla.bsky.social

NEW: Meet the real AI ‘rogue agent’: Lord Watson of Palantir. I am sick to the teeth of this current AI hype cycle & its perversion of language. The only thing going ‘rogue’ right now are AI boosters, a gullible & compliant press & a Labour Lord 1/ broligarchy.substack.com/p/meet-the-r...

broligarchy.substack.comMeet the real AI “rogue agent”: Lord Tom WatsonA Labour leader is out of control. The world needs a containment strategy now

Jim Killock reposted

Carole Cadwalladr
@carolecadwalla.bsky.social

NEW: Boris Johnson failed to declare to parliament a gift of private jet flights from the same cryptobillionaire, Christopher Harborne who gave £5m to Nigel Farage, leaked documents reveal. New #HarborneReceipts investigation from @thenerve.news. 🔗 below 1/

Jim Killock
@jim.killock.org.uk

The Information Commissioner John Edwards has resigned with immediate effect, due to conduct allegations. #dataprotection #ico #johnedwards https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7473590282803052544/

linkedin.comDear Friends and Colleagues - an update, as promised. Today, I have notified the Rt Hon Ian Murray, Minister of State (Minister for Digital, Government and Data) of my resignation from the roles of… | John EdwardsDear Friends and Colleagues - an update, as promised. Today, I have notified the Rt Hon Ian Murray, Minister of State (Minister for Digital, Government and Data) of my resignation from the roles of Information Commissioner, and Chair of the Information Commission, effective immediately. Since February of this year I have been the subject of an investigation. While I have not agreed with how that investigation has been conducted, I accept that my position has become untenable. From the time the investigation was launched, I have accepted that there have been occasions where I exercised poor judgement and made attempts at humour that were inappropriate and caused offence. It is for this reason that I have decided that it is appropriate that I resign from my position. I do not wish to be a distraction to the ICO’s important work. The rapid advancement of technology presents enormous opportunities, but it must be safe and accessible for everyone. Unfortunately, that is not always the reality. As technology continues to evolve, and the AI tsunami breaks over us, we must redouble, and continuously adapt our collective efforts to ensure safety, accountability, and trust online. No single organisation or country can address these challenges alone. Collaboration domestically and internationally between regulators and policymakers is critical to ensure societies can enjoy the benefits of innovation safely and equitably. I am proud to have worked alongside dedicated staff and partners within the ICO, the wider UK regulatory community and internationally to advance those shared objectives. While I will no longer be able to continue this work in my current role, my commitment to the principles, values, and objectives that have guided my professional life remains unchanged. I am proud of the contribution I have made and look forward to continuing to support this important work. I would like to thank colleagues, stakeholders, and supporters for the opportunity to serve in the role of the UK's Information Commissioner, and I wish the organisation every success in the future.
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Jim Killock
@jim.killock.org.uk

The Information Commissioner John Edwards has resigned with immediate effect, due to conduct allegations. #dataprotection #ico #johnedwards https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7473590282803052544/

linkedin.comDear Friends and Colleagues - an update, as promised. Today, I have notified the Rt Hon Ian Murray, Minister of State (Minister for Digital, Government and Data) of my resignation from the roles of… | John EdwardsDear Friends and Colleagues - an update, as promised. Today, I have notified the Rt Hon Ian Murray, Minister of State (Minister for Digital, Government and Data) of my resignation from the roles of Information Commissioner, and Chair of the Information Commission, effective immediately. Since February of this year I have been the subject of an investigation. While I have not agreed with how that investigation has been conducted, I accept that my position has become untenable. From the time the investigation was launched, I have accepted that there have been occasions where I exercised poor judgement and made attempts at humour that were inappropriate and caused offence. It is for this reason that I have decided that it is appropriate that I resign from my position. I do not wish to be a distraction to the ICO’s important work. The rapid advancement of technology presents enormous opportunities, but it must be safe and accessible for everyone. Unfortunately, that is not always the reality. As technology continues to evolve, and the AI tsunami breaks over us, we must redouble, and continuously adapt our collective efforts to ensure safety, accountability, and trust online. No single organisation or country can address these challenges alone. Collaboration domestically and internationally between regulators and policymakers is critical to ensure societies can enjoy the benefits of innovation safely and equitably. I am proud to have worked alongside dedicated staff and partners within the ICO, the wider UK regulatory community and internationally to advance those shared objectives. While I will no longer be able to continue this work in my current role, my commitment to the principles, values, and objectives that have guided my professional life remains unchanged. I am proud of the contribution I have made and look forward to continuing to support this important work. I would like to thank colleagues, stakeholders, and supporters for the opportunity to serve in the role of the UK's Information Commissioner, and I wish the organisation every success in the future.
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Jim Killock
@jim.killock.org.uk

Edward's predecessor, and other senior ICO staff, left the ICO to join big legal firms representing #BigTech and arcually just joined Big Tech. Will Edwards do the same? After a distinguished record gutting #GDPR he would be in an excellent place to expect a highly paid senior post.

Jim Killock
@jim.killock.org.uk

The Information Commissioner John Edwards has resigned with immediate effect, due to conduct allegations. #dataprotection #ico #johnedwards https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7473590282803052544/

linkedin.comDear Friends and Colleagues - an update, as promised. Today, I have notified the Rt Hon Ian Murray, Minister of State (Minister for Digital, Government and Data) of my resignation from the roles of… | John EdwardsDear Friends and Colleagues - an update, as promised. Today, I have notified the Rt Hon Ian Murray, Minister of State (Minister for Digital, Government and Data) of my resignation from the roles of Information Commissioner, and Chair of the Information Commission, effective immediately. Since February of this year I have been the subject of an investigation. While I have not agreed with how that investigation has been conducted, I accept that my position has become untenable. From the time the investigation was launched, I have accepted that there have been occasions where I exercised poor judgement and made attempts at humour that were inappropriate and caused offence. It is for this reason that I have decided that it is appropriate that I resign from my position. I do not wish to be a distraction to the ICO’s important work. The rapid advancement of technology presents enormous opportunities, but it must be safe and accessible for everyone. Unfortunately, that is not always the reality. As technology continues to evolve, and the AI tsunami breaks over us, we must redouble, and continuously adapt our collective efforts to ensure safety, accountability, and trust online. No single organisation or country can address these challenges alone. Collaboration domestically and internationally between regulators and policymakers is critical to ensure societies can enjoy the benefits of innovation safely and equitably. I am proud to have worked alongside dedicated staff and partners within the ICO, the wider UK regulatory community and internationally to advance those shared objectives. While I will no longer be able to continue this work in my current role, my commitment to the principles, values, and objectives that have guided my professional life remains unchanged. I am proud of the contribution I have made and look forward to continuing to support this important work. I would like to thank colleagues, stakeholders, and supporters for the opportunity to serve in the role of the UK's Information Commissioner, and I wish the organisation every success in the future.
Jim Killock
@jim.killock.org.uk

The ICO under John Edwards has seen the #UKGDPR weakened, with duties to balance rights with economic growth; and recent policy changes mean that the #ICO does not try to handle complaints about an organisation until they pile up.

Jim Killock reposted

Megan Kirkwood
@megafreda.eurosky.social

What an insightful breakdown of both the policy process and how the harms a social media ban is supposed to fix get completely missed through pursuing the ban approach - great blog @jim.killock.org.uk @openrightsgroup.org

openrightsgroup.orgThe social media policy ratchetFor more than a decade, UK governments have introduced successive child safety measures, responding to public concern about the availability of content that is either unsuitable or harmful to children...

Jim Killock reposted

Open Rights Group
@openrightsgroup.org

The Cybersecurity Bill is in Parliament TODAY. ORG is urging MPs to vote for an amendment that would require the government to develop a Digital Sovereignty strategy. This would help secure the resilience and independence of the UK’s critical infrastructure away from US Big Tech. Find out more ⬇️

openrightsgroup.orgMPs urged to vote for a Digital Sovereignty strategyOpen Rights Group is urging MPs to vote for an amendment to the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill that would require the government to develop a Digital Sovereignty strategy that would help secure…
Jim Killock
@jim.killock.org.uk

It's like a list of all the things that go wrong in Internet policy. Here is one that is very fundamental and recognisable, for example, in the online space among others

Jim Killock reposted

paulwalk
@paulwalk.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy

RE: https://social.openrightsgroup.org/@jim/116753611803911869 This is really interesting - not just the immediate issue, but also the general point about how the U.K. government claims it is designing/evaluating policy interventions like this.

Jim Killock@jim.killock.org.uk

The social media policy ratchet: How #onlinesafety measures are costing users but leaving #socialmedia companies just fine thank you. https://www.openrightsgroup.org/blog/the-social-media-policy-ratchet/

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Jim Killock
@jim.killock.org.uk

I have no idea of policy advisors graphed out the Online Safety Act or the current proposals in this way. The idea is to think about what acts on what. Then policy analysts can think about what interventions might actually work.

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Jim Killock
@jim.killock.org.uk

Here is how we might view the Online Harms policy system. Hopefully it is entirely clear that online harms policies are nowhere near the engine producing them, and that the policies are self-reinforcing in the face of failure

Jim Killock
@jim.killock.org.uk

In this blog I explain how social media policy keeps failing, and why. The reason is simple: policies are dealing with the effects of the business model, not the model itself.

Jim Killock reposted

Rebecca Sear
@rebeccasear.bsky.social

The American Anthropological Association has put out a very clear statement in response to a new report claiming the humanities and social sciences are ruining themselves with left-wing bias. Would be good to see more such robust responses to these familiar yet deeply unhelpful accusations

anthrofuentes.bsky.social@anthrofuentes.bsky.social

Setting the Record Straight on Anthropology @americananthro.bsky.social on the Vanderbilt Report...Yes. And still more to come... americananthro.org/advocacy-sta...

americananthro.orgSetting the Record Straight on Anthropology - American Anthropological AssociationThe Report on the State of Scholarship in the Humanities and the Humanistic Social Sciences identifies anthropology as the single most extreme case of scholarly deterioration in the humanities and soc...
Jim Killock
@jim.killock.org.uk

New Health sec James Murray MP wants the NHS to "put our feet to the floor on reform". Isn't speeding up and taking risks how people end up in A&E? And isn't it how the NHS ended up with #Palantir?