Thijmen van Gend
Thijmen van Gend is a scientist at the Dutch Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO). With a background in technology, policy, and management, his area of expertise is digital governance and regulation.
Session
This interactive workshop explores the growing tension between mandatory identification online and the fundamental rights to privacy, anonymity, and pseudonymity. As a participant, you will critically examine whether identity-based systems are necessary tools for trust and digital security, or whether they function as Trojan horses for unprecedented forms of surveillance and control. The session offers clear takeaways and actionable recommendations on how to reconcile accountability with the protection of fundamental rights.
The workshop is designed for policymakers, civil society actors, researchers, technologists, and anyone concerned with the future of digital rights in Europe.