The Dutch government has launched a pilot project to replace Microsoft operating systems and software with NixOS, an in-house developed operating system. NixOS is Linux-based and is currently being tested by eight parties; the platform's first stable version is expected to be ready by the end of 2027.
The migration to NixOS is part of the DAWO (Digital Autonomous Work Environment for Government) initiative, launched after the US imposed sanctions on key officials of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands. These sanctions followed the ICC's initiation of an investigation into genocide in Gaza and the issuance of an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu for crimes against humanity.
The sanctions caused key ICC officials to lose access to their Microsoft email and accounts, as well as international banking systems. These measures were intended to pressure the ICC into withdrawing allegations against Israel.
The Dutch government recognized the risk of losing access to critical systems due to the arbitrary actions of foreign nations. Consequently, under DAWO, a new system—encompassing everything from operating systems to office software and public services—is being designed and implemented.
The Netherlands is following in the footsteps of France, which announced last January that it would stop using foreign software such as Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and Webex. These will be replaced by Visio, a software product from a local firm. The full integration of Visio as the French government's teleconferencing platform is scheduled for completion by 2027.
