Regendans"Evelyn Austin, chair of digital rights organisation Bits of Freedom, said it is “a bit disappointing” that a lawyer who previously represented major tech companies will now lead the Dutch privacy watchdog overseeing some of those same firms. She described the appointment as “very awkward” and “a highly unusual choice.”
Austin doubts whether Potjewijd can act credibly against such companies. “You could say that Potjewijd may have seen the light and is now committed to the right cause. But as chair, you have the important task of gaining the trust of citizens and other regulators. To do that, you need to carry out your work in a credible and authentic way. I strongly question how credible he can be when he sits down with organisations he previously faced in court.”
According to Austin, there is no doubt that Potjewijd knows the field well. “He has substantive expertise, because for years he helped companies look for ways to push and cross the boundaries of privacy rules.” That is why Bits of Freedom is wary. “But of course he still has to prove himself. The only thing that matters is that he achieves results, shows that his background does not matter, and uses his expertise in the public interest. But he is already starting 1-0 behind.”
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https://nltimes.nl/2026/05/13/lawyer-defended-big-tech-companies-lead-dutch-privacy-regulator
Jeroen Wiert Pluimers
Jos Schuurmans (FI)
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Jos Schuurmans (NL)
De Ouwe Zeerover
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Arjen P. de Vries Timmers 🕊️
Ivonne Smit