Marc van der Ham (1984) is an external PhD candidate at eLaw – Center for Law and Digital Technologies at Leiden University.

More information about Marc van der Ham

Marc van der Ham (1984) is an external PhD candidate at eLaw – Center for Law and Digital Technologies at Leiden University. His doctoral research examines the role of IT infrastructure companies in investigating and prosecuting disruptive cybercrime. The research underscores the importance of public-private collaboration in addressing cybercrime in a digital society, where the boundaries between private and public responsibilities are increasingly blurred.

Since November 1, 2025, Marc has been a researcher at the Tilburg Institute for Law, Technology and Society (TILT)at Tilburg University. His research focuses on the regulation of emerging technologies and the protection of fundamental rights, particularly in the fields of law enforcement and security. He pays specific attention to public-private collaboration and future European cooperation in these areas.

Prior to joining TILT, Marc served as a Senior Manager in the Intangibles, Data & Technology team at Deloitte Legal. Before that, he was Acting Head of the Policy & Strategy Team and Strategic Advisor at the National Office of the Dutch Public Prosecution Service. Since joining the Public Prosecution Service in 2017, Marc worked closely with national prosecutors specializing in high-tech cybercrime, lawful interception, digital investigations, and lawful hacking. His work included modernizing the legal framework for cybercrime, strengthening public-private partnerships, and collaborating with intelligence and security services, including the National Cyber Security Center.

Earlier in his career, Marc gained experience at the intersection of law, technology, and policy through roles at Google, the European Parliament in Brussels, and Stek Lawyers in Amsterdam. As a lecturer, he regularly teaches courses and delivers lectures at academic institutions, sharing his expertise on cybercrime, digital investigations, and the legal challenges posed by new technologies.

Research

Marc’s research explores the question of whether disruptive cybercrime can still be effectively investigated and prosecuted in today’s digital landscape. The borderless nature of the internet and society’s increasing reliance on private companies and technologies present significant challenges for law enforcement. Despite the rise in disruptive cybercrime incidents, the investigation and prosecution of suspects remain limited. His research, titled “Impunity and Disruptive Cybercrime,” examines the advantages and drawbacks of imposing additional legal assistance obligations on IT infrastructure companies in criminal investigations. The study is grounded in fundamental rights, the principles of the rule of law, legal standards for criminal investigations, and the regulatory framework of the EU’s single (digital) market.