The Netherlands to restrict use at educational institutions due to concerns about privacy invasion of Chrome, Gmail, Chrome OS, etc.

Due to data privacy concerns, the Dutch Ministry of Education has decided to impose restrictions on the use of Chrome OS, services such as Chrome and Gmail as web browsers, until August 2023.

Dutch schools must stop using Google's email and cloud services due to privacy concerns.

https://tutanota.com/blog/posts/dutch-schools-must-stop-using-google-email-and-cloud-services/

Chrome use subject to restrictions in Dutch schools over data security concerns
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/chrome-use-subject-to-restrictions-in-dutch-schools-over-data-security-concerns/

The Dutch Personal Data Agency Oversight Office has pointed out that Google, Microsoft and Zoom are concerned that they may not comply with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which could threaten student privacy. increase. Therefore, in the summer of 2021, we advised schools and universities to stop using services provided by Google such as Gmail and Google Cloud.

In addition, Dutch Minister of Education Robbert Dijkgraaf and Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Dennis Wiersma jointly signed a letter in parliament claiming that 'Google's services have many privacy concerns.' As a result, it was decided that 'Dutch educational institutions cannot use the products and services provided by Google as they are.'

In response, Google has indicated plans to fix privacy concerns by August 2023. Until the summer of 2023, educational institutions will be subject to some usage restrictions on using services provided by Google.

Specifically, 'Do not use Google search engine' 'Set Google Cloud data storage location to Europe' 'Disable Google Translate, spell check, etc.' 'Set YouTube embedding to privacy enhancement mode' 'Turn off personalization of ads' and so on.

However, if Google updates its products and services as agreed in August 2023, the restrictions will be lifted and educational institutions will be able to use Google's products and services as usual.