Privacy does not stop at the border, we must work together

**Caribbean Netherlands Faces Urgent Privacy Challenges Amidst Digitalization** A recent symposium highlighted the growing urgency for robust data protection and digital resilience within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, particularly focusing on its Caribbean territories. The gathering, organized by the Data Protection Authority of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba (CBP BES) on International Privacy Day, underscored that data privacy in Dutch Caribbean islands is a critical administrative and legal issue. Delays in addressing these concerns directly impact supervisory oversight, data exchange protocols, and overall trust within the Kingdom's digital ecosystem. As public services in Caribbean Netherlands, including identity management, citizen services, and social provisions, become increasingly digitized, the reliance on data escalates. While this digital shift enhances accessibility and efficiency, it simultaneously heightens vulnerabilities in privacy and data security. The unique context of small island communities means individuals are more easily identifiable, making the meticulous handling of personal data paramount for governmental legitimacy and public confidence. The value of personal data is continually increasing, with data often shared across complex chains or with external entities, amplifying risks. Experts emphasize that data protection is not a barrier to digitalization but rather the foundation upon which citizen and business trust in a digital government is built. Therefore, embracing privacy by design principles from the outset of digital initiatives is crucial to embedding data protection into organizational frameworks.