adMar 5, 2026, 17:30

Experts surprised by cabinet response to US VAT software: ‘Distraction’

Experts are criticizing the Dutch government's decision to hire an American software company to manage VAT collection, calling the official justifications a diversionary maneuver. While State Secretary Eelco Eerenberg claims the process remains under local control, critics argue this is inaccurate and are calling for the immediate reversal of the procurement.

Politics Economy Business Technology Netherlands

Read original ↗

Based on reporting by ad. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

European Commission launches investigation into Booking.com over failure to tackle fraud

The European Commission has opened an investigation into Booking.com over concerns that the travel platform is failing to adequately combat fraud and phishing scams. The inquiry aims to ensure the company complies with the Digital Services Act, which mandates that online platforms prioritize user protection and transparency.

EU selects 46 raw materials projects to reduce dependence on China

The European Commission has launched 46 projects across sixteen countries to reduce reliance on China for vital raw materials like lithium and copper. These initiatives, supported by prioritized permits and funding assistance, aim to significantly boost domestic processing and recycling capacity by 2030.

Revolut online banking issues resolved after major outage

Online bank Revolut has fully restored its services after a major technical failure caused by a power incident at Google Cloud. The outage, which prevented customers from accessing their funds, also affected various other companies and services primarily located in the United Kingdom.

Wikipedia concerned about AI in search engines: fewer visitors and higher risk of disinformation

Wikipedia is reporting a significant drop in website traffic following the introduction of AI-powered search summaries, raising concerns about a potential decline in future volunteers and donations. Experts and officials also warn that these AI tools risk spreading misinformation and reducing the reach of reliable sources like official government websites.

Why the cyber incident could cause empty shelves at AH for weeks: 'This is a textbook case'

Albert Heijn is experiencing ongoing product shortages in the aftermath of a recent cyberattack that disrupted its supply chain. Experts warn that the effects of this incident could continue to impact inventory levels for several weeks as distribution networks stabilize.