Dutch Tax Agency Halts Microsoft 365 Migration Due to Data Risks

• •The Dutch Tax Agency is reversing its Microsoft 365 migration due to data control concerns.
• •The agency plans to transition to open-source alternatives by 2028.
• •This decision aligns with a growing trend among governments to reduce reliance on foreign tech providers.

The Dutch Tax and Customs Administration has reversed its planned migration to Microsoft 365, citing unacceptable risks to sensitive government data. An internal assessment prompted the agency to seek more control over its data by relying on government-controlled infrastructure and exploring open-source alternatives. While the agency had initially chosen Microsoft 365 due to a lack of suitable alternatives, increased data center capacity now allows for an on-premises solution. The transition will begin in 2027 and is expected to take several years, with email and calendar services moving first. Microsoft services like Outlook will remain in use during this transition. This decision reflects a broader trend among governments to reduce reliance on foreign technology providers, following similar moves by Switzerland and Singapore.