Technology News in English

Hackathon in Beverwijk seeks sustainable solutions for millions of pallets: 'Use them for coffins'

A hackathon in Beverwijk is exploring sustainable solutions to prevent the single-use of transport pallets. Participants at the event, hosted by Collectief Circulair, are investigating ways to dismant...

Streets need to be dug up much less often thanks to new method (but it won't be rolled out further)

Be careful with your headphones and earbuds: they contain toxic substances

A report from the EU-sponsored project ToxFREE LIFE for All warns that prolonged use of headphones and earphones can lead to the absorption of toxic substances through the skin. Dutch toxicology profe...

BeamThis! showcases enormous variety of video art: from short films to abstract projections

The BeamThis! exhibition highlights a vast variety of video art, featuring everything from small films to abstract projections. While all participating artists utilize moving images, the showcase emph...

Prosecutors seek prison sentence for calling for citizen border controls

The Dutch Public Prosecution Service has demanded a 45-day prison sentence against a 54-year-old activist for inciting citizens to perform their own border controls via Facebook. Prosecutors also requ...

Bisphenol A found in headphones: five questions about this substance

Bisphenol-A (BPA) has been detected in various plastic products, including headphones, water bottles, and food packaging. Exposure to this substance can pose significant health risks, leading to quest...

Viewing figures public again from April 6, including online viewing

Starting April 6, the National Media Research Foundation (NMO) will resume making viewing figures public, while also incorporating online viewing data for the first time. This updated methodology will...

Risk of AED theft lower than heart attack risk, but it happens and costs lives: 'A stolen device is useless'

While the theft of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) is rare in the Netherlands, such incidents can be life-threatening and often require community crowdfunding for replacements. The national g...

Foldable iPhone and GTA 6: key tech and gaming trends for 2026

The year 2026 is anticipated to be a major turning point for the gaming and technology industries. Key highlights include the expected release of Grand Theft Auto VI, one of the most expensive games e...

Bol.com and MediaMarkt pull popular headphones from sale over high levels of ‘substances of concern’

Major retailers including Bol.com and MediaMarkt have immediately removed several popular headphones and headsets from sale due to high concentrations of concerning substances. An investigation into o...

Beverwijk senior (79) repeatedly scammed by fake digital invoices: ’He thought his internet was being cut off’

A 79-year-old man from Beverwijk was scammed out of nearly 400 euros after receiving fraudulent invoices disguised as communications from his internet provider. His son is sharing the story to raise a...

Dutch industry seeks quick clarity on Trump’s tariff maneuvering

The Dutch technological industry association FME is calling on the Netherlands and the European Union to provide immediate clarity regarding potential U.S. import tariffs on European goods. The organi...

Day and night, 365 days a year, work continues in Hoofddorp on a complex treatment for blood cancer: ‘I compare it to team sports, it can be very tough’

At Kite's facility in Hoofddorp, employees work 24/7 throughout the year to modify immune cells for patients with specific types of blood cancer, enabling the cells to fight tumors. This large-scale, ...

Odido customers must monitor bank accounts after data breach

Odido customers are advised to monitor their bank accounts for unauthorized transactions following a significant data leak revealed last week. The stolen information could be misused for fraudulent wi...

'Then I just have free money,' says Robert (25), who lets AI bet on football matches for him

Robert, a 25-year-old, is utilizing artificial intelligence to automate sports betting on football matches, describing the resulting profits as "free money." While visitors at a local market acknowled...

Social media seeks ways to get away with addictive designs

Social media platforms, including Meta's Facebook and Instagram, are facing increasing scrutiny and legal challenges in the U.S. regarding their potentially addictive designs. Despite Meta CEO Mark Zu...

Healthcare organization intervenes: panic buttons for home care workers

Tzorg, one of the largest home care organizations in the Netherlands, is providing its employees with alarm buttons due to a significant rise in workplace aggression. Incidents against home care worke...

Keyhole surgery through tiny incisions can still cause lasting pain: ‘Sometimes something can be done’

New research reveals that laparoscopic or "keyhole" surgery can still lead to chronic pain despite involving only small incisions. Although these minimally invasive techniques have largely replaced tr...

Russian intelligence calls Telegram a security risk

Russia's domestic security service, the FSB, has labeled the messaging app Telegram a security risk, claiming that foreign intelligence services can intercept communications for military purposes. The...

Haarlemmermeer peak water storage faces technical problem: what if heavy rain persists?

The peak water storage facility in Haarlemmermeer is currently facing a significant technical malfunction. There are concerns that the facility may be unable to handle excess water if prolonged heavy ...

Screen Time | All electronics are becoming more expensive due to the RAMpocalypse

Tech reporter Rutger Otto reports in his weekly column that the prices for nearly all electronic devices are expected to increase. This trend, referred to as a "RAMpocalyps," will impact almost every ...

New Bird Bike a source of frustration for mother and son Kas. Bike is mostly out of service for repairs

After saving €1,200 to purchase a La Souris Bird Bike, a young owner named Kas and his mother have faced ongoing frustration due to the electric bicycle's frequent technical failures. The bike has s...

Employees poorly prepared for job loss: 'This should be a wake-up call'

Rapid labor market changes driven by digitalization and artificial intelligence are creating new roles while making others obsolete, yet many employees remain unprepared for these shifts. Most workers...

Police praise critical eye of Big Brother Awards

The Dutch National Police have adjusted their operational methods based on critical feedback provided by the digital rights organization Bits of Freedom. During the 2025 Big Brother Awards, Deputy Pol...

Dutch Tax Authority continues to use algorithms, promises improvement

The Dutch Tax Authority has committed to using algorithms more responsibly following criticism and receiving a Big Brother Award for privacy violations. However, a spokesperson stated that the organiz...

NASA to launch moon mission next month after all

NASA is targeting a March 6 launch for the Artemis II mission, which will carry astronauts on a flight around the moon. Following a successful launch rehearsal, the mission serves as the final prepara...

Flood of complaints about Odido prompts watchdog to issue special appeal

Dutch authorities are being overwhelmed by reports from current and former Odido customers concerned about potential identity fraud. The surge in complaints has prompted the Dutch Data Protection Auth...

Dutch citizens no longer allowed to participate in Polymarket betting

The American betting platform Polymarket has blocked Dutch users from participating in wagers on its site. This action follows a demand from the Dutch Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit) for the c...

Odido data breach scam: Fake website charges €50 per claim

Victims of the Odido data leak are being warned about a fraudulent website that falsely promises to file compensation claims for a fee of 49.99 euros. The site is a scam, and customers are advised not...

These men have been building their own miniature train world for fifty years

The NZH model railway hobby club in Haarlem is celebrating its 50th anniversary with public open days scheduled for May 30 and 31. The club has spent decades building an intricate miniature world in a...