Digital innovations, software, hardware, internet, and tech industry news
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Nearly 15,500 applications for new or expanded electricity-use connections were on waiting lists at regional grid operators in the Netherlands at the end of June, according to Netbeheer Nederland. That was more than 300 higher than the 15,154 applications recorded at the end of 2025. Grid congestion is delaying investments and sustainability projects by companies and organisations; some projects may be cancelled.
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Applications for electricity-grid connections, including for new construction, rose sharply in the first half of 2026. One report put the number of applications for projects planned over the next three years at 600,000, more than twice the number normally built in that period. Demand from households for electricity for heat pumps and electric cars is also rising faster than grid operators had forecast, and new rules are expected to place households on waiting lists as well.
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The cabinet proposed that primary and secondary school pupils leave mobile phones at home or keep them stored away throughout the school day from 1 January 2027. The strengthened national guidance would extend existing classroom restrictions to breaks, common areas and school grounds.
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Dutch payment company Mollie launched a new online payment method for purchases of products and services, including in webshops. The service competes with iDEAL and Wero, which is due to succeed iDEAL. Mollie confirmed that its service does not include buyer protection. The launch came amid discussion about Wero’s buyer protection and the fees that businesses would have to pay.
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Hackers accessed Denmark’s Central Register of Persons through the legitimate access credentials of a Danish company and obtained personal data relating to about 8.8 million people. The data included names, addresses and personal identification numbers. The database administrator was notified on Friday of the breach, which reportedly occurred during September. It remains unclear who was responsible. The register contains information on about 11 million people, including deceased Danes.