BRUSSELS — The Dutch government is blocking a United States-based company's attempts to acquire a key online identification IT supplier.

Dutch firm Solvinity runs a platform for the country's DigiD app, which allows the country's citizens to authenticate themselves online when they want to book a doctor's appointment, buy a house or interact with public authorities.

In November, U.S.-based Kyndryl announced it would acquire Solvinity, triggering concerns that a key Dutch online identification tool would fall under foreign control. Across Europe, there have been increased concerns about the bloc's reliance on U.S. technology.

In a letter to the national parliament published on Tuesday, State Secretary for Digital Economy Willemijn Aerdts said the national authority charged with screening investments had advised the government to block the acquisition. The purchase was seen as posing "a possible risk to the public interest."