An increasing number of countries may be looking into banning under-16s from using social media, but the Netherlands is considering introducing an online skills certificate for the elderly, in an effort to help combat fraud.
The plan would require everyone over the age of 65 to prove that they can recognise a phishing attempt and fake bank help desk inquiries before they are allowed to sign up for a new mobile phone.
“We see that the elderly are becoming more adept at using mobile phones, but we also know how often things go wrong,” said Bas ‘t Aard, from Spam and Scam, which advocates for better protections for vulnerable internet users. “We think this plan offers the right balance between caution and patronising pensioners.”
The over 65s who already have a phone and an internet connection will have to provide the certificate when renewing their plan or upgrading their phone. The course will be offered online through a fully secure internet link that is accessed via the Digid system and costs €10.
Council officials will also make spot checks to make sure the system is not being abused. “We know that older people are very good at using grandchildren to sort out their mobile phone failings and we want to make sure this is not happening,” said cyber security expert Henrietta Hackersma who is advising the government on the new regulations.
Developing the scheme has not been without its pitfalls. A pilot project in Deventer had to be abandoned last year when hackers broke into the council’s website and posted fake notices saying that all parking fines issued in 2025 had been cancelled and inviting locals to apply for a refund.
An investigation found that the security breach happened after deputy mayor Rogier Vrolijk was photographed at a briefing with the password for the website displayed on a whiteboard behind his head. “I immediately signed up to do the course,” said Vrolijk, 67.
Union for the elderly De Duvel is Oud said that spot checks at home by officials would pose their own problems.
Chairman and grandfather of three, Fred Fearnot, 84, who has successfully set a trap for a fake policeman in the past, said that many elderly would slam the door in council officials’ faces for fear of being duped.
“And then it will be back to the grandchildren or other people they trust, and I don’t mean the quiet man next door who offers,” Fearnot said.
Gary, a taxi driver from Liverpool who has retired to the Netherlands to grow marijuana, told Dutch News he had no idea how he would cope with the test. “And how do I even know it’s legit?”, he said.
“Fortunately,” he said, “there are some nice young chaps who hang around my favourite coffee shop who are always on hand to help me sort out my money.”
