Our impact
What we achieve in terms of economic growth, internet security and stability, and digital inclusion
Maintaining the register of .nl domain names and making sure that registered names are always reachable is our most important role. A role that we take very seriously. But it's not our only role. We also initiate, promote and support a wide variety of internet-related community activities, developing valuable knowledge of and insight into relevant topics, and making additional services available to our registrars and registrants. Those activities are not arbitrary choices. They are carefully selected to support our mission as a private-sector organisation with a public function within the Netherlands: to promote problem-free, opportunity-rich digital living for all. Because we believe that a free, open, accessible and secure internet contributes to a better world for everyone.
In line with that mission and belief, we've identified three fields where we can and should have an impact: economic growth, internet security and stability, and digital inclusion.
Economic growth
In terms of economic growth, our impact derives mainly from the benefit that our services bring to businesses and their customers. We ensure that .nl domain names can be reached by internet users everywhere, and that they are quick and easy to register, competitively priced, reliable and stable. Our research activities contribute to innovation, and help to reinforce the country's global standing. We also promote economic growth through SIDN Fund. The Fund gives a helping hand to community start-ups and makes it easier for innovators to bring new ideas on line.
Some examples:
Internet security and stability
Our contribution to the security and stability of the internet takes many forms. First, there is all the work that we do to make .nl one of the securest country-code domains in the world. And our direct involvement in fighting internet abuse. We also encourage the adoption of internet standards, such as DNSSEC, IPv6, DKIM, DMARC and SPF. One of the main ways we do that is through the Registrar Scorecard, our incentive scheme for registrars. Then we are active in global forums concerned with internet technology, governance and security. And we share our knowledge, disseminate information and support applied research. Finally, we develop new products and services, such as smart solutions for digital identity management.
Some examples:
Digital inclusion
Digital inclusion is closely linked to building an internet that is open to all. A free and accessible internet where everyone has the same opportunities. Working mainly through SIDN Fund, we therefore promote inclusion through initiatives that increase users' knowledge, broaden access and prepare the next generation for life in a digital society.
Some examples:
Our unique position
SIDN isn't a commercial enterprise. We're professional and businesslike, but with a view to maximising the value we create for the community and the economy. And we occupy a unique position: although we're a small organisation, we deliver services of great importance to the Netherlands and the wider internet. We have a responsibility to all Dutch internet users, and we take that responsibility very seriously. We're therefore pleased to show our stakeholders how our activities contribute to our stated aims, and the extent to which we are achieving our desired impact.
Learn more about our impact
For each of our major projects and activities, we have developed an 'impact canvas': a full picture of what we do, why we do it, and the results we're looking to secure. The various canvases are listed in the table below, which also shows whether each activity is something we're doing on our own, or as part of a collaborative effort. Over time, we'll be adding canvases for other projects and activities.
If you have any questions about our activities or impact, please mail communicatie@sidn.nl.
Impact canvass | Details | SIDN project | Participation in or sponsorship of a third-party initiative |
|---|---|---|---|
The Platform for Internet Standards developed the Internet.nl test tool, so people can easily check whether an internet connection supports the latest standards. Separate website and e-mail tests yield a score between 0 and 100%. Information and guidance about how to boost the score is also available where relevant. In addition, an API and a dashboard have been developed to help high-volume users (e.g. hosting firms) visualise the results of bulk tests. | X | ||
NLnet Labs develops open standards and open-source software that promote the security and (by contributing to its availability) the stability of the internet infrastructure. As well as developing standards and software, NLnetLabs undertakes applied research into issues relating to the DNS and routing infrastructure, such as barriers to adoption/deployment, and the impact of new technologies that are still in the early stages of adoption. By improving understanding of such issues, NLnet Labs also contributes to policy and governance discussions surrounding the application of (new) technologies and social impact. | X | ||
Time synchronisation based on the NTP protocol is vital for the internet to function properly. Many time service providers are not sufficiently transparent about the details of their services. To address that problem and emphasise the importance of time synchronisation, SIDN Labs has set up the reliable and transparent public NTP service TimeNL. | X | ||
The retention of confidence in the digital world depends on the availability of advice and guidance for consumers. The creation of new security-enhancing functionalities and the provision of hazard warnings are activities that promote online security. The website Veiliginternetten.nl answers consumers' internet safety-related questions and offers solutions to their problems. | X |