- Rights and online freedom. These policy priorities are explained below. 4.1 Economic growth and sustainable development of the internet Over a third of our economic growth comes from digital commercial activities. As the digital gateway to Europe, the Netherlands aims to further bolster its position as a safe place to do business. This position is dependent on prerequisites like robust cybersecurity and respect for rights and freedoms in cyberspace. In order to combat online abuse and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, discussions are ongoing in a number of international multi-stakeholder and multilateral forums about internet governance, open source standards and private best practices. The Netherlands plays an active role in this. We also take part in discussions and decision-making processes within the EU on issues like ICT standardisation, boosting the cybersecurity industry, achieving a level playing field and product certification. Using the multi-stakeholder consultative model, the government must also establish frameworks and norms where necessary. The relationship between the government and businesses is dynamic. Businesses are important partners in safeguarding public interests like privacy, security and freedom in cyberspace. On the other hand, businesses can also have a negative influence, for example on account of their globally dominant market position. Given their key role in the digital domain, it is important to involve these businesses in the debate. The central question at national level is: how can we ensure that online standards keep pace with technological developments? Working as a team creates a greater sense of urgency and helps disseminate knowledge more widely. One example of this philosophy is the Internet Standards Platform, which includes parties like the Dutch Internet Domain Foundation (SIDN), Réseaux IP Européens Network Coordination Centre (RIPE NCC), Internet Society – Netherlands Chapter (ISOC) and the government. With regard to sensitive issues, unambiguous and future-proof legislation is needed in order to provide investment security for the international business community and maintain an attractive business climate. Examples of such issues include cybersecurity, privacy, encryption, data protection and storage (in both the public and private sectors), use of open data, net neutrality, digital authentication and identification and accountability for products and services. To protect the Netherlands’ knowledge economy and innovation position, the government is also committed to combating digital economic espionage. At national level the General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) and the Defence Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) are responsible for investigating the threat. Wherever possible, findings are shared with the victims and other interested parties. At international level, existing partnerships and diplomatic efforts will be strengthened. 4.2 Effective internet governance Governance of the internet is unlike conventional governance. No single private party, organisation or government authority exercises sole control over the internet or has the ability to substantially influence the workings of the internet. It is the government's aim to preserve internet governance in this unique and effective form. The internet is kept up and running by various actors: research institutes, standardisation and technical organisations, the business community, civil society, users’ organisations and government agencies. This multi-stakeholder consultative model also underpins the large degree of self-regulation and self-organisation within the internet. The guiding principles in this regard are bottom-up participation, openness and non-discrimination. In order to safeguard the freedom, openness and AVT17/BZ122203 9