A need for better checks and balances of the secret services
Unfortunately, this is not the case. The CTIVD consists of two departments, neither of which can detect and address abuses. The Supervisory Department decides on its focus and has the power to initiate investigations, but it lacks the binding powers to intervene when things go wrong. The Supervisory Department reports to the Minister who makes the decision whether to react or not. On the other hand, the Complaints Department does have binding powers. This department can, for example, demand that the secret services delete data or stop using a given power. However, it cannot decide for itself what it will investigate in order to subsequently deploy that power. In other words, it can only act if someone files a complaint.