Dutch Statistics Agency CBS Services Down Due to Server Outage

The Dutch statistics agency, CBS, is experiencing significant service disruptions following a server outage that has rendered a large portion of its data inaccessible. In an official statement, CBS assured the public that there was no compromise to the security of its systems or data, although several critical functions remain offline. Affected services include the StatLine database, the CBS microdata environment, and capabilities for uploading and downloading data files. Additionally, telephone and email communication channels have been interrupted. The agency attributes these ongoing technical issues to a massive fire that occurred last week at a NorthC Datacenters facility in Almere. The blaze, which originated in a utility room housing emergency power supplies and cooling systems, caused widespread disruptions beyond the CBS, affecting Utrecht University, various general practitioner practices, pharmacies, and transport operator Transdev. CBS has indicated that the duration of the current outage remains uncertain as recovery efforts continue. This incident highlights the vulnerability of digital infrastructure to physical disasters and the cascading effects on public services and institutional operations across the Netherlands.