Life in a digital age means data privacy needs to be front of mind.
Online streaming services, online shopping, and even online groceries and doctor’s appointments; in a modern country such as the Netherlands, much of our day-to-day life increasingly happens online.
While this brings a lot of convenience and saves time, it also means we need to exercise caution around where and how we share our personal data.
Here are a few things to keep in mind about data privacy, how your data is removed, and more you should know as a consumer in the Netherlands.
1. GDPR is the main pillar of consumer privacy protection
In the Netherlands, our biggest consumer protection comes from the GDPR (the General Data Protection Regulation), a landmark EU law enacted in 2018 which sets a standardised way to ensure consumer privacy.
This law establishes a comprehensive framework for personal data protection and sets strict requirements for how organisations work with consumer data.
In practice, this means that businesses can only collect data that is required for their unique purposes. Additionally, all data must be handled transparently and securely and any misconduct will put organisations up against substantial penalties.
That’s great for peace of mind! But, what if you consent to giving your data to a company and regret it? Well…
2. You have the right to be forgotten
Among other things, GDPR allows individuals to request the deletion of their personal data, also known as “the right to be forgotten.”
This right extends to data that is no longer required for the purposes it was initially collected for. Furthermore, you can also have your data removed if you withdraw consent at a later date or if data has been processed unlawfully.
All you need to do to exercise this right is contact the organisation holding the data and formally request and specify which data you want to delete.
Once this is done, the organisation has to abide by your request and respond within one month by clarifying if your data will be removed, or giving a valid reason if this won’t be the case.
That might sound easy enough, but it can be quite a long and tedious process if you need your data removed from many organisations. Data removal tools and similar services can be helpful in easing the process and speeding up the technicalities of how your data is removed.
3. There’s an independent body that oversees compliance with privacy legislation
Having your data protected is a fundamental right. The Netherlands has an independent regulatory body which ensures that the laws around data protection are enforced, the Dutch Data Protection Authority (DPA).
On the DPA website, you can report a data breach or file a complaint against a company. You can also find data privacy laws written in simple English.
For example, did you know that while you’re allowed to mount a doorbell camera, you must first consider if your neighbours still have their privacy?
The DPA website also offers steps for what to do if your neighbour has installed a camera that you think compromises your privacy. Handy!
4. It’s a good idea to skim through privacy policies
None of us like to spend hours reading the fine print, we know. However, it’s still good practice to glance at the privacy policies of the services that you use as a consumer.
This will not only give you information about how your data is used but also for how long.
On top of that, you can always check for customisable privacy settings and adjust them to your preferences. This gives you the freedom to only share data that you feel comfortable sharing.
5. Any data breach has to be reported
Whether it’s a hacked network or a human or technical error, personal data can sometimes be stolen or made public.
The Data Breach Notification Act, an amendment to the Personal Data Protection Act, mandates that if a business or a governmental organisation experiences a serious data breach, they are obliged to report this to the DPA.
That’s why you’ll sometimes receive notifications from Dutch companies advising you that, well, your data was compromised. Bummer — but better to know!
Data privacy and data regulations can seem like complicated and overwhelming topics, but understanding at least the basics helps you make more informed choices.
What do you do to ensure your data stays protected? Let us know in the comments!