Dutch government introduces new security regulations for telecommunications

In a recent press meet, the Dutch government has stated that it has ordered a raft of new security regulations for telecommunications providers, including rules on equipment and software suppliers, and a requirement that only people with background checks can access networks. The requirements will cover major providers KPN, T-Mobile, and Vodafone as part of a series of moves to strengthen standards after a 2019 assessment.

The telecoms providers must retain network data for at least three months if needed to analyze advanced threats and attack vectors. Britain and France have effectively banned China's Huawei from helping build their 5G telecoms networks. The Dutch government said last year vendors could be excluded if they have close ties to foreign governments involved in spying.

It did not name Huawei specifically, despite pressure from parliament to do so. Last month, KPN said it would use Sweden's Ericsson to build its core elements' 5G mobile network. In May, the upper house of parliament approved a law giving the government power to block "undesirable" telecommunications companies' takeovers. That includes an obligation for any would-be buyer of a more than 30% stake in a Dutch telecom to ask the government.