Dutch Internet Service Providers Violate Privacy Laws
Investigation by watchdog reveals malpractice.
Most of the Dutch Internet serviceproviders violate privacy laws. They don't protect the personal data of their users, according to a report of the official Dutch privacy watchdog, the . A consumers organisation asked the Registratiekamer to investigate how service providers implemented the Dutch privacy rules.
The investigation of 60 providers revealed that internet service providers ask their clients all kinds of information, that isn't of any use for the opening of an internet account, like education, income, family situation and personal preferences. The Dutch privacy watchdog states that providers only have the need for information on the name and adress of new clients.
The Dutch providers also fail in informing their clients of the right of access to the personal information the provider is saving. The privacy watchdog further critices the refusal of providers to take legal responsibility for the privacy protection.
The general conditions for opening an account are vague and not clear, according to the Registratiekamer. The consumer therefore run the risk of permitting unintentional use of their personal details and internet behaviour for commercial purposes. The smallprint of the general conditions sometimes give the provider the right to save and store the traffic data. Dutch privacylaws forbid the use and selling of personal details for other purposes than necessary for operational management.
Under new privacy laws, coming in force soon, the Registratiekamer can punish providers or other companies that violate the privacy rules. For now, the Registratiekamer can only present a report and urge the providers to take measures. The consumer organisation that asked for the investigation, wants the service providers to get in touch with each single client within three months, and ask an explicit approval for the use of their personal details. Service providers who refuse to do so, will be published on a blacklist.