Sci/tech

A study claiming that the painkiller lidocaine can help post-covid patients has been withdrawn by researchers in Amsterdam. The move follows an investigation into whether the clinic involved bypassed essential ethical approvals and scientific standards.

The Netherlands has begun testing GPT-NL, a home-grown artificial intelligence model built to safeguard digital sovereignty. Backed by a €13.5 million government investment, the project aims to provide a secure alternative to foreign AI platforms for Dutch organisations. By using local news archives and forensic expertise, the model is designed to uphold European values and strict privacy standards.

Dutch police have launched a major investigation after hackers stole the personal data of 6 million Odido customers. Authorities are praising the telecom company's refusal to pay a ransom and are warning the public to stay alert for identity fraud. The case highlights the growing risks of sophisticated phishing attacks following large-scale data breaches.

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has green-lit the acquisition of Solvinity—the IT provider behind the technical operation of DigiD—by the American firm Kyndryl, despite significant political and expert concerns regarding digital sovereignty and data security. While the ACM concluded that the takeover poses no threat to market competition, it acknowledged that public sector anxieties over the Netherlands' digital autonomy remain high. Because the US government can legally intervene in American corporations operating abroad, the deal is now under intense scrutiny by the Bureau for Economic Security (BTI), which is conducting a separate investigation to determine whether the acquisition presents a genuine risk to national security.

It’s fascinating to see a European firm like Axelera AI gaining such significant backing to challenge the dominance of giants like Nvidia.

The Dutch mobile provider Odido is contacting customers following a cyberattack on its contact systems. Although service remains unaffected, personal details such as names and bank account numbers may have been accessed. Customers can avail F-secure, a digital security package for better protection. The free package offered spans 24 months.

The Dutch chip-machine giant ASML is under investigation for allegedly breaching international labour guidelines after refusing to negotiate with an Irish trade union. The case highlights a growing conflict between the company and labour representatives in both Ireland and the Netherlands.

ASML expansion plans include a location at the Brainport Industries Campus.